Smog Alert Issued Across Punjab as Toxic Winds Blow in from India

Lahore – Authorities have issued a high-level smog alert for Lahore and several other major cities in Punjab, warning residents of hazardous air quality due to cross-border air pollution drifting in from India’s northern region.

The Smog Monitoring and Control Center has advised citizens in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad to take immediate precautionary measures, including wearing protective masks and limiting outdoor exposure—particularly during the early morning and evening hours when pollution levels tend to peak.

According to officials, easterly winds blowing at a speed of 5 km/h from Dharamshala, India, are carrying dangerous levels of pollutants toward Pakistan’s urban centers. The worsening air quality is largely due to the presence of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses serious risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Read more: India and US to hold key trade talks in New Delhi this Tuesday.

The alert comes as New Delhi registers a catastrophic Air Quality Index (AQI) of 821, making it the most polluted city in the world. Environmental experts warn that toxic air masses from India are drifting westward and severely impacting air quality in central and southern Punjab.

In addition to Lahore, officials have also raised concerns for cities including Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Multan, where visibility may be reduced and pollution levels may rise in the coming days.

Health Advisory:

• Avoid outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and late evening.

• Wear N95 or similar high-filtration masks when going outside.

• Use air purifiers indoors if available.

• Keep windows and doors closed to minimize indoor pollution.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge citizens to stay informed through official channels.