Cold, dry conditions grip most regions as Punjab battles severe smog

Mainly dry weather is expected across most parts of the country today, with clear and sunny conditions likely in the plains. Hilly regions are set to remain cold to very cold, especially during the early morning and night hours.

According to the Met Office, Islamabad will remain cold and dry, while similar conditions are forecast for Murree, Galiyat and several districts of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. Most districts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also likely to experience cold weather. Sindh, meanwhile, is expected to stay mostly dry.

Punjab’s air quality deteriorates sharply

Punjab continues to struggle with toxic smog, with Lahore again recording hazardous air quality on Saturday. Early in the morning, the city posted an Air Quality Index reading of 439, placing it among the most polluted cities worldwide. Lahore ranked second on the global pollution index, highlighting the worsening smog situation.

Several other major centres in Punjab faced similar conditions. Gujranwala reported particulate matter levels reaching 808, while Faisalabad recorded an AQI of 507. Both readings fall in the hazardous category, raising concerns over public health and visibility.

According to IQAir, New Delhi remained the world’s most polluted city today with an AQI of 519, followed closely by Lahore.