Dry weather on Wednesday; Peshawar, Lahore enveloped in smog

WEB DESK: The national weather forecast predicts dry conditions across most parts of the country today, with cold mornings and nights expected in hilly regions. At the same time, the AQI of metropolitan cities, including Lahore and Peshawar, is worsening and smog situation is getting worse.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Islamabad and its surrounding areas are likely to experience dry weather, while the temperature is expected to drop during the early and late hours of the day.

In Punjab, most districts will remain dry, with Murree, Galiyat, and nearby areas turning noticeably cold during morning and night hours. However, continuous dry weather and rising air pollution levels have led to persistent smog in several eastern districts, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Okara, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Khanewal, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, and Multan.

Authorities have advised citizens in these areas to take precautionary measures against smog-related health risks.

In Sindh, hot and dry conditions are expected to continue in most districts, though southeastern and coastal areas may experience partly cloudy skies.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan will also see predominantly dry weather, with cold conditions likely in the hilly and northern districts during morning and night hours.

In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), the weather will remain dry, but residents can expect chilly temperatures during early and late hours.

Meteorologists have urged residents, especially those in affected parts of Punjab, to limit outdoor activities during high-smog periods and take steps to protect their health amid the continuing dry spell.

PESHAWAR BANS ILLEGAL LPG USE AMID RISING AIR POLLUTION

The district administration of Peshawar has imposed a one-month ban on the illegal use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in vehicles under Section 144, effective immediately. The decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to combat the rising air pollution levels in the city, which has recently seen an alarming increase in air quality issues.

According to an official announcement, the ban is aimed at curbing the unsafe storage and use of LPG, particularly in vehicles that have been illegally converted to run on the gas. Authorities have also stated that strict action will be taken against workshops involved in these illegal LPG kit conversions. The growing number of such unregulated conversions has been flagged as a major concern for both public safety and environmental health.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been monitoring air pollution levels closely, with the city recently ranking 5th on the list of the most polluted cities in Pakistan. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Peshawar has reached a hazardous level of 251, indicating a severe decline in air quality. Experts have raised concerns about the dangerous impact of this pollution on public health, urging residents to take extra precautions.

EPA officials said that the illegal use of LPG in vehicles contributes significantly to rising pollution, posing a risk not only to human health but also to the environment. Additionally, unsafe storage practices for LPG have been identified as a growing danger to public safety.

In light of these risks, the EPA has recommended that citizens use masks when going outdoors, particularly during times of high pollution. Those found violating the LPG ban or engaging in unsafe practices will face strict legal action, as authorities work to curb the increasing air pollution crisis in the city.