Lahore witnessed a historic moment as Ahmed Al-Kamal, the head of the cloud-seeding team from the United Arab Emirates’ meteorology department, along with Chief Pilot Michael Anstis and Pilot Col Ubaid, met with Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi at his office on Tuesday. The purpose of their meeting was to discuss the groundbreaking success of the first-ever artificial rainfall operation conducted in Lahore to combat smog.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Naqvi expressed his gratitude to the team for their tireless efforts in inducing artificial rainfall, which led to a significant reduction in smog levels. He acknowledged the collaboration with the UAE as a milestone achievement and thanked the team for their cooperation. The successful attempt at artificial rain was hailed as a historic achievement for Lahore, marking a turning point in the city’s battle against air pollution.
Chief Minister Naqvi highlighted that the Punjab government highly values the collaboration with the UAE in weather modification efforts. He assured that the government would continue to work closely with the UAE team, making further attempts to induce artificial rain when the necessary atmospheric conditions align. This commitment underscores the shared goal of both nations to address the pressing issue of smog and improve air quality in Lahore.
Emphasizing the success of the initial artificial rainfall, Naqvi pointed out that air quality levels had remained below 200 for several consecutive days, providing relief to the residents. With optimism for future endeavors, he expressed hope that, given suitable atmospheric conditions in January, the UAE team could once again assist in reducing smog levels through artificial rainfall.
The chief minister praised the dedication of the UAE’s team and assured them that the people of Pakistan would always remember their crucial role in this initiative. He stressed that the successful artificial rainfall operation in Lahore is now etched in the history of weather modification, showcasing the effectiveness of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
Ahmed Al-Kamal, in turn, expressed optimism for another successful artificial rainfall experiment in January and extended gratitude for the warm hospitality in Lahore. He stated that Pakistan feels like their second home, highlighting the strong bond between the two nations.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including provincial ministers Amir Mir and Bilal Afzal, weather modification expert Brig. Nadeem, Director General of the Environment Protection Department, Chief Meteorologist Ch. Muhammad Aslam, and CAA’s Senior Joint Director Muhammad Altaf. Their presence underscored the significance of the collaborative efforts in combating environmental challenges and fostering international cooperation for the greater good.
