LAHORE – The atmosphere in various cities of the country including Lahore remained unsatisfactory on Saturday, as far as pollution situation was concerned. According to Pakistan Meteorological Department official sources, air quality index in Multan was recorded 849, while provincial capital Lahore recorded 449. In addition, AQI was recorded in Peshawar at 297, while in Rawalpindi it was recorded at 264 and in Islamabad at 241. The air quality index of the Indian city of Delhi was reported at 219. The situation in Hafizabad smog became alarming, as it became difficult for citizens to breathe. In the hospitals of various Punjab cities, the number of patients with eye, throat and respiratory diseases has increased, the burning of residues in paddy fields and the smoke from brick-kilns have increased. Meanwhile, The police registered 43 cases, arrested 11 individuals, and imposed Rs. 8 lakh fine on 423 individuals during a crackdown on those causing pollution in the last 24 hours. Additionally, 32 individuals were issued warnings. According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, 17 cases of crop residue burning, 336 cases of high-emission vehicles, 13 industrial violations, 23 cases of brick kilns, and 13 other violations were reported, and legal action was taken. Punjab Police spokesperson further said that during the current year’s anti-smog crackdown, a total of 2025 individuals were arrested, 2248 cases were registered, and over 49.1 million rupees in fines were imposed on 21,042 individuals, with 1310 warnings issued. A total of 1414 cases of crop residue burning, 18,095 cases of high-emission vehicles, 309 industrial violations, 837 brick kiln violations, and 247 other violations were reported. The spokesperson added that in the last 24 hours, 5092 vehicles emitting excess smoke were fined, 398 were impounded, and 2 had their fitness certificates cancelled.
This year, a total of 7,30,390 vehicles emitting excess smoke have been fined, 1,56,858 vehicles impounded, and fitness certificates of 10,016 vehicles have been cancelled.
