Six arrested over smog SOP violations

Nine cases were registered, six violators arrested and fines exceeding Rs884,000 imposed on 526 offenders over violation of the standard operating procedures to curb smog in the province on Saturday.

A police spokesperson said eight violations were reported for burning crop residue and 427 for excessive smoke-emission from vehicles.

During the ongoing year, a total of 3,272 offenders have been arrested and 3,783 cases registered as part of an anti-smog crackdown.

Despite changing weather conditions the air pollution rate in Lahore was recorded at 196. The pollution rate around the Power Zone Head Office was 420, at the US Consulate 334, UMT 247 and CERP Office 239.

Meanwhile, cold, dry and partly cloudy weather was recorded in the city.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted scattered rain with increase in cold during the next 24 hours. Weather officials said a westerly wave was likely to affect upper parts of the country.

They predicted rain, wind and thunderstorm in upper and central Punjab, Pothohar region and Islamabad.

Hailstorm is also expected at isolated places, while cold and dry weather is expected in other parts of the country.

Saturday's lowest temperature in Lahore was 7.7°C and maximum 23.7°C.