Weather today will be chilly across Pakistan; smog-filled skies persist

WEB DESK: Today (Friday), the weather will remain dry across most parts of Pakistan, but cold conditions are expected during the early morning and late evening in the hilly areas, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said.

Meanwhile, smog is likely to affect several districts in eastern Punjab due to ongoing dry weather and air pollution, particularly in cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, and Multan. Authorities are urging citizens to take necessary precautions against air pollution.

Going region by region, Islamabad and surrounding areas get dry weather today, but the morning and night hours will be colder.

Most districts in Punjab will experience dry weather, but it will be colder in areas like Murree, Galiyat, and surrounding hilly regions, especially in the morning and at night. Residents of Lahore, Gujranwala, Kasur, and other cities across eastern Punjab should brace for potential smog or fog, as persistent dry weather and pollution are expected to intensify.

In Sindh, the weather will remain hot and dry for most of the day, with partly cloudy skies expected in the southeastern coastal areas. Dry weather is expected throughout most of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), but chilly conditions will prevail in the hilly districts during the early mornings and nights.

Balochistan, too, will see dry weather, with colder temperatures in the northern districts, especially at night. Both Kashmir & Gilgit-Baltistan will also experience dry and cold conditions throughout Friday.

LAHORE ACTIVE AGAINST SMOG

Lahore’s battle against smog continues as authorities ramp up efforts to tackle pollution levels in the city. The Lahore Police, in collaboration with various departments, has arrested 203 individuals and registered 197 cases so far this year in connection with smog prevention.

According to a spokesperson from the Lahore Police, 175 of these arrests were made for the illegal emission of smoke from factories, shops, kilns, and other industrial sites. Another 14 individuals were arrested for burning harmful materials such as tires, plastic, and shopping bags, while 10 people are facing charges for burning crop residues.

Lahore’s Traffic Police have also been active in combating smog by targeting vehicles that contribute to air pollution. In October alone, they arrested 137 individuals and registered cases against them for emitting smoke from vehicles. Over 13,700 vehicles have been issued challans for emitting smoke, while more than 21,000 vehicles have been penalised for lacking fitness certificates. Furthermore, more than 5,600 vehicles have been fined for not using tarpaulin, which is essential to prevent the spread of dust and pollution.

As part of the ongoing anti-smog campaign, over 3,000 vehicles have been stopped for inspection. Special checkpoints have been set up at the city’s entrances and exits to ensure that vehicles emitting high levels of pollution are penalised.

The Lahore Police are working closely with other relevant authorities, including the Punjab Safe City Authority, to monitor and take action against vehicles and industries contributing to the smog. Lahore’s CCPO, Bilal Siddique Kamiana, has reiterated the need for continued vigilance in combating pollution, particularly through the use of surveillance cameras and direct enforcement efforts.

Citizens are advised to remain cautious in areas affected by smog and follow health guidelines to minimise exposure to harmful pollutants.