PM to take up Lahore smog issue with India

LAHORE: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has pledged to address the alarming “Smog Holiday Lahore 2023” by raising the pressing smog issue, which is primarily triggered by crop residue burning, with India through diplomatic channels.

Following a meeting of the Punjab cabinet presided over by PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar, Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed attendees about the concerning Lahore AQI levels. He highlighted that the primary cause of the smog engulfing Lahore, leading to its notorious Air Quality Index Lahore readings, is the burning of crop residues in Indian Punjab, as reported by the state news agency.

Read: No smog holiday in Lahore

In addition to discussions on the smog, the cabinet meeting also delved into comprehensive briefings about the proactive measures taken by the interim Punjab government across multiple sectors such as health, transportation, education, and more. Notably, innovative projects like biogas generation are underway within the province to strengthen the energy sector.

Lahore is currently at the epicenter of a severe air pollution crisis. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) shockingly soared to an alarming 483, marking it as the most polluted city globally.

The persistent smog, blanketing Lahore for days, intensified on Sunday, leading to a rise in complaints of breathing difficulties, eye irritations, and reduced road visibility.

The local Met Office, concerned about the escalating situation, issued a weather warning. They attribute the smog to a mix of harmful elements like nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and various aerosols, all stemming from a cold-high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.

The present circumstances highlight the urgency to address the smog issue diplomatically, considering its widespread health and environmental repercussions.

Meanwhile, the Lahore Commissioner’s Office has announced that there will be no smog-related holiday in the city for now.