Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Monday linked the worsening smog across the province to large-scale fireworks during Diwali celebrations in India, as Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 647. In a post on X, she said that polluted winds entering through the eastern corridor from Indian cities contributed to the increase in the provincial capital's AQI.
Marriyum said that local pollution levels were being controlled through measures taken under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She added that the government's preventive measures had also proved effective, preventing the AQI from exceeding forecast levels despite the air pollution associated with Diwali celebrations, as had happened in previous years.
The senior minister said that air quality was expected to improve over the next two to three hours due to changes in wind direction and speed, along with sunshine. She added that all relevant departments were actively working in the field on the Punjab chief minister's instructions.
Marriyum advised elderly people and children to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement, urging residents to keep windows, ventilators and doors closed to prevent polluted air from entering their homes. Children, elderly people, pregnant women and those suffering from heart, lung or respiratory diseases were advised to remain indoors until the AQI improved.
She also asked the public to temporarily suspend morning walks, jogging, cycling and other outdoor activities. For those travelling by car, the senior minister recommended keeping windows closed and activating the air-conditioning system's recirculation mode.
She also advised residents against burning rubbish, leaves or other materials in and around their homes. Air quality deteriorated in India's capital New Delhi on Monday, after residents celebrating the Hindu festival of lights set off fireworks in violation of court orders.
Many areas in the city of 20 million showed a reading of more than 400, categorised as 'severe', official data showed. India's Supreme Court said earlier this month that only certified low-polluting firecrackers would be allowed to be used during limited hours over the Diwali weekend.
Residents in New Delhi and in Mumbai, the country's financial capital, said firecrackers were going off until late in the night. Visuals from New Delhi showed it was the third-most polluted city in the world as of Monday morning, Swiss group IQAir's live ranking showed, with Lahore at the top.
Government officials have reiterated their commitment to implementing strict environmental laws and cracking down on industrial units and vehicles emitting excessive smoke to curb the recurring smog crisis. Experts have also stressed the need for long-term regional cooperation between neighboring countries to tackle air pollution, noting that borders cannot stop toxic smog from traveling across regions.