Air Pollution Persists in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Health Risks Rise; Cold Intensifies in Balochistan

Lahore/Quetta: Air pollution continues to plague Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with rising health concerns as respiratory illnesses begin to emerge. According to environmental monitoring websites, Lahore has become the **fourth most polluted city in the world**, recording an average smog index of 366.

Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in Lahore include:

Allama Iqbal Town: 734
Shalimar: 720
Johar Town: 586
Lower Mall: 494
Cantt area: 423

Other major cities also recorded high AQI levels: Gujranwala – 645, Faisalabad – 295, Bahawalpur – 283, and Peshawar – 444. By comparison, Delhi tops the global AQI list at 502.

Meanwhile, Lahore’s temperatures are expected to range between **11°C (minimum) and 26°C (maximum)**, with the current temperature recorded at 16°C. Humidity stands at 74%, and wind speed is 2 km/h. The Meteorological Department predicts the possibility of rainfall in Lahore in early December.

Due to severe fog and zero visibility, the **National Highway and Motorway Police** have temporarily closed **M-1 Motorway from Peshawar Toll Plaza to Chach Interchange** in both directions. The closure aims to protect travelers and prevent major accidents. Motorway Police advised motorists to **avoid unnecessary travel, use fog lights, maintain extra distance, and drive cautiously**. Travelers can check live updates via the police helpline at 130 or official social media channels.

In **Balochistan**, temperatures have plunged to **1°C in Quetta and Qalat**, intensifying the cold. Most districts are expected to remain cold and dry over the next 24 hours, with northern and central areas experiencing further drops. Thursday morning recorded minimum temperatures as follows:

Quetta: 1°C
Qalat: 1°C
Sibi: 12°C
Nokkundi: 9°C
Gwadar (coastal): 14°C
Jiwani: 19°C