LAHORE: Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the launch of the Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Programme, offering a significant opportunity for young people to contribute to environmental protection while gaining professional experience. The announcement was made through a Facebook message in which the Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz shared the initiative aimed at engaging youth in climate action and environmental governance. Under the programme, interns will receive a monthly stipend of Rs60,000. Upon completion of the three-month internship, participants will also be awarded an official internship certificate by the Government of Punjab. Fifty per cent of the seats have been reserved for female students to ensure equal opportunities. The programme will also facilitate the issuance of certification in collaboration with UNESCO. Interns will gain practical experience by working with officers of the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency and contributing to environmental policy units. Applicants will also receive exposure to modern learning management systems and will have the opportunity to represent their respective districts through an automated merit-based selection process. Young applicants can submit their applications online until March 29 through the official portal of the Environment Protection Department (epd.punjab. gov.pk/climateinternship) Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the participation of young people in the mission to improve the environment is highly welcome. She added that every young individual can play a meaningful role in environmental improvement through the Climate Leadership Development Programme. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif further stated that, by the grace of Almighty Allah and through continuous efforts, environmental pollution levels in Punjab, particularly in Lahore, are gradually declining. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026