Pakistan’s Minister Blames India For Worsening Air Quality In Lahore, Calls For ‘Dialogue’

Lahore: At a time when Lahore is facing air pollution crisis, Pakistan Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb from the country’s Punjab province has blamed the winds-carrying pollutants from neighbouring India for the situation. The minister also revealed that the provincial government planned to initiate talks with India over the issue through the intervention of Pakistan’s foreign ministry, she said, reported WION.

The air pollution situation in Lahore is similar to that of New Delhi, which worsens during winter. Moreover, the minister specifically held polluted wind from Amritsar and Chandigarh responsible for worsening air quality in Lahore. “We cannot stop or redirect the Indian air; the only solution is dialogue,” she said, as quoted by WION.

Lahore’s AQI at 1,900

Meanwhile, Lahore recorded unprecedented levels of air pollution recently with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 1,900, reports claimed. This is perhaps the highest-ever pollution recorded near the India-Pakistan border.

The pollution data was released by both the provincial government and the Swiss group IQAir. Lahore also topped IQAir’s real-time list of the world’s most polluted cities on Sunday (Nov 3).

The air quality index in Lahore/Punjab nearing 2000 is a public health crisis—a death trap that’s simply unacceptable. Urgent, coordinated action is needed from authorities on both sides of the border to protect lives and curb this pollution! #Smog pic.twitter.com/4Xxzs0mkDr

— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) November 3, 2024

The AQI in Lahore surged to 1,067 around 9:30 am, which hit 1,900 later on Saturday, the Swiss agency data stated.

Schools shuts, ban on three-wheelers

The Lahore administration has taken up measures to tackle the pollution. Primary schools in several cities, including Lahore, have been shut for a week. The schools have also asked parents to ask their kids to wear masks. Hospitals have also been equipped with special smog counters.

The government also imposed a ban on three-wheelers, and rickshaws putting a temporary halt on construction activities. Factories and construction sites that do not comply with these new regulations can be asked to shut down.