TOBA TEK SINGH: A rally demanded on Friday the government take concrete steps to tackle smog and pollution in Punjab, and implement the moratorium on coal use for power generation.

The rally participants, carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans demanding enforcement of a permanent ban on coal and end to fossil fuel expansion in the country, started from MC Chungi Stop on Gojra Road and gathered outside the press club on Jhang Road.

The rally was jointly organised by the Pakistan Brick-Kiln Workers Union (PBKWU) and the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee (PKRC).

Addressing the rally, PKRC secretary general Farooq Tariq said, “We call for a rapid and equitable phaseout of fossil fuels and a direct transition to renewable energy.”

He said developed countries, responsible for the largest emissions, have the responsibility to fund the phaseout of fossil fuels so that the countries like Pakistan could tackle smog and other environmental issues.

He said these (developed) countries have the means to mobilise trillions of dollars for urgent climate action domestically and internationally by ending fossil fuel subsidies, making big polluters pay, taxing the mega rich, and stopping funding for war and militarism.

He said it is unacceptable that in the face of the intensifying climate crisis and despite a coal moratorium, Pakistan increased the share of coal in the electricity mix.

“We have a significant potential for renewable energy, like solar and wind, and we should accelerate the shift to renewable energy systems, but we are even expanding coal production and allowing new gas projects,” he regretted.

PBKWU secretary general Muhammad Shabbir said the government should take concrete steps to solve the smog problem.

MAN DIES: A motorcyclist died after being hit by a tyre that separated from a moving truck coming from the opposite direction on Moongi Bangla Road near Chak 159 GB, Gojra, on Friday.

Police said that the tyre burst and got separated from the moving truck, hitting the biker, identified as Iqbal (40). As as a result, the biker was critically injured and died on the spot.

MURDER: A farmer was allegedly killed by his two rivals over an old enmity at Chak 245 GB, Talwandi, Gojra, on Friday.

Police said Sajid Ali (45) was present at his outhouse when the suspects, Ali Raza and Sajid Malang, opened fire on him. As a result, he was seriously wounded.

He was shifted to the THQ hospital, where he succumbed to his bullet wounds.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2024