Latest News
Lahore ranks world’s most polluted city as cross border pollution worsens air quality
Air pollution has risen in several cities in Punjab, with Lahore once again named the world’s most polluted city, as smog from India’s Diwali celebrations and polluted air in the Indian state of Punjab add to the region’s environmental woes.
According to the latest data, the average air quality index (AQI) of the provincial capital is 303, indicating unhealthy atmospheric conditions. Pollution levels were particularly alarming in several parts of Lahore. Gulberg II recorded an AQI of 639, while the reading reached 475 along Syed Maratib Ali Road and 470 in Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate. Barki Road recorded 370 cases while Allama Iqbal Town recorded 342 cases.
Air quality in other major cities of Punjab has also become dangerous. Multan reported an AQI of 971, while Bahawalpur’s AQI was 796, reflecting the widespread impact of deteriorating environmental conditions across the province.
According to the meteorological department, the temperature in Lahore is expected to be between 18 and 29 degrees Celsius. Wind speed was recorded at just two kilometres per hour, while humidity reached 70 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has stepped up enforcement measures to tackle pollution from local sources. Senior provincial minister Maria Aurangzeb said authorities are continuing to crack down on activities causing air quality degradation and relevant departments are actively monitoring the situation on the ground.
She added that areas with higher air quality scores are undergoing anti-smog operations, including the use of smoke control guns and water jets to help reduce air pollution. As part of the enforcement campaign, officials inspected 28 industrial facilities across the province. Subsequently, three industrial blocks and 11 brick kilns were sealed due to violations.
Pakistan will host the 30th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
According to diplomatic sources, the meeting will be held in Islamabad from November 15 to 16, but Pakistan has not invited the Afghan Taliban government to attend the meeting. A senior State Department official also confirmed that the Afghan Taliban government has not been invited, the source said.
Diplomatic sources said that Pakistan is the chairman of the ECO Foreign Ministers Council for 2026-2027. The meeting is expected to discuss important issues including regional trade, economic cooperation and promotion of mutual contacts among member countries.
On the other hand, the meeting will also review new possibilities for strengthening economic ties and joint cooperation in the region.
Trump’s meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani reportedly took place around noon on Monday and lasted about 45 minutes.
The president also talked about the US blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.
“We’ll see where it goes,” he said in a brief phone interview. “I’m prepared,” he added.
– Pakistan will host the third meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca Defense Alliance later this month, diplomatic sources said.
The meeting is expected to bring together the foreign, defense and military chiefs of Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia to discuss strategic, political and defense cooperation between the three countries.
Pakistan will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. Foreign and defence ministers, along with military chiefs from Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, are also expected to attend. The next meeting will be the third meeting of the committee. The first two meetings were held in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening trilateral cooperation, strengthening defense ties and promoting strategic coordination among the three allies.
Browse topics
Pakistan condemns attempted Houthi attack on Aramco building in Riyadh
DPM Dar calls for dialogue and diplomacy to address regional, global challenges
Pakistan to host 30th meeting of Economic Cooperation Organization
ICC board meeting in India: Mohsin Naqvi gets invitation
‘Self-Reliance in Digital ID’: NADRA launches locally produced QR code-based National Identity Card
23 people have died during the monsoon as rain-related incidents plague Punjab and KP.
-
Latest News6 months agoICC board meeting in India: Mohsin Naqvi gets invitation
-
Latest News3 months ago‘Self-Reliance in Digital ID’: NADRA launches locally produced QR code-based National Identity Card
-
Latest News4 months ago23 people have died during the monsoon as rain-related incidents plague Punjab and KP.
-
Latest News3 months agoTurkish FM, Dar discuss regional trends, bilateral connections
-
Business4 months agoGovt dedicated to resolving Balochistan issues: Dar
-
Latest News4 months agoPakistan making rapid progress in robotics, AI: Shaza Fatima
-
Entertainment6 months agoInterim bail given to YouTuber Rajab Butt in gambling app marketing case
-
Latest News4 months agoAfter a divorce, LHC decides that women who have been harmed by their spouses get their dower.