Smog to Rise in Lahore; Aurangzeb Blames Polluted Air Coming From India

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has warned that pollution levels in Lahore may rise as easterly winds are expected to carry smog from Indian cities into Pakistan. She said that although a change in wind direction could later improve the AQI, the current conditions indicate a possible increase in air pollution. The minister stated that Lahore continues mechanical street washing, water spraying, and real-time air quality monitoring. She added that strict checking of brick kilns and industries is underway, with zero tolerance for open burning. Daily fines are being imposed on violators. Marriyum Aurangzeb also confirmed that smog emergency squads are active 24/7 across Punjab, while traffic police have intensified anti-smog duties and are cracking down on smoke-emitting vehicles.