What Happened: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the need for ‘climate diplomacy’ with India to address Lahore’s severe smog, which has seen AQI levels reaching alarming highs, prompting the government to enforce school timing changes and mask mandates.
What you need to know: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reiterated the importance of engaging in ‘climate diplomacy’ with India to address the severe smog issue affecting Lahore. Recently, the city has been experiencing some of the worst smog in days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a concerning level of 708. Speaking at a Diwali event in Lahore, the chief minister emphasized that Pakistan must pursue diplomatic relations with India to combat the smog problem. She mentioned her intention to write a letter to the chief minister of Indian Punjab, stressing that this issue transcends politics and is fundamentally humanitarian.
What more: Maryam added, “If we are taking steps, there should be a corresponding response from the Indian side,” highlighting the interconnected nature of the problem. She also noted, “The winds don’t recognize borders.” The smog situation has deteriorated across several regions in the country, with Lahore suffering the most in recent days. On Tuesday, the city’s average AQI was recorded at 347, with particulate matter levels, particularly PM2.5, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended air quality standards. Areas like Gulberg and Maratab Ali Road saw AQI levels surpassing 500, while some parts of the city even recorded hazardous levels above 700 on Monday.
Also: In response to the worsening conditions, the Punjab government has altered school timings in Lahore and mandated the wearing of masks in the city and surrounding areas.