Funds allocated to fight smog for the first time: Maryam Aurangzeb

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has announced that the Punjab government has taken the lead on the issue of smog by allocating, for the first time, a budget of Rs10 billion for smog mitigation and Rs100 billion for environmental changes.

She expressed these views at the Express Forum titled "The Issue of Smog and Its Solutions," which also featured the participation of Secretary for Environment Raja Jahangir Anwar, DG Dr. Imran Hamid Shaikh, and civil society representative Mubarak Ali Sarwar.

"CM Punjab Maryam has declared a war against smog since it is an issue for the people of Punjab on the other side of the border and here as well," Maryam Aurangzeb said emphasising the importance of "climate diplomacy."

She stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has insitiated efforts engage in dialogue with India on climate issues through the Foreign Office, with a conference on environmental matters scheduled in the next two to three months, where the Chief Ministers of both [Pakistan and Indian] Punjabs and other regional countries can participate.

"The Punjab government has been preparing to tackle smog since March. Unlike previous years, they have opted for a green lockdown rather than complete shutdowns or school closures," Aurnagzeb further said.

Maryam Aurangzeb stated that politicising the smog crisis is a crime, as it threatens the well-being of children, the elderly, and future generations.

"We will be surveilling stubble burning using drone via modern technology," the Senior Punjab Minister said. She added that " We have prepared technology for carrying out artificial rain which would be utilised if the need arises."

Civil society representative Mubarak Ali Sarwar highlighted that Pakistan ranks among the ten most polluted countries globally. Half of Pakistan, especially densely populated and industrial cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan, is significantly affected by smog.

He urged the adoption of alternative energy sources to combat environmental pollution, calling for a shift towards e-transportation, solarisation, and other sustainable practices.

Indian Diwali celebrations exacerbate Lahore's smog crisis

Lahore’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, with the air quality index exceeding 250 due to strong winds carrying pollution from India following Diwali celebrations. This has raised health concerns among residents, particularly as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels have surged, according to the World Air Quality Index Project.

The spike in pollution coincided with extensive fireworks use in New Delhi during Diwali, despite a government ban. Health officials have issued warnings, advising vulnerable groups—such as children and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma—to avoid outdoor activities during this period.

Local meteorologists have forecast that the smog will persist for the next 48 hours. NASA has indicated that winds are transporting smoke from agricultural burning in India into Pakistan, significantly contributing to Lahore's worsening air quality.

In response to the hazardous conditions, authorities have implemented strict measures, including arrests for violations of health guidelines and over 600,000 fines issued within a day. The e-challan system, enhanced by artificial intelligence, continues to operate.

As Lahore grapples with the fallout from its neighbour's celebrations, New Delhi also remains shrouded in toxic smog, as air pollution levels rise sharply after the Diwali festivities.