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Newsdesk

Punjab suffers as Lahore again tops global pollution chart

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Punjab suffers

LAHORE: The Lahore city once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Wednesday, as thick smog blanketed Punjab and the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to a hazardous 462.

According to real-time monitoring data, Sandha Road recorded an alarming AQI of 941, followed by Cantonment at 690, Iqbal Town at 639, and Burki Road at 616 — placing the provincial capital under severe smog conditions.

The situation was similarly dire in other major cities. Multan’s AQI hit 507, Faisalabad 712, Gujranwala 287, and Peshawar 219, all indicating unhealthy to extremely hazardous air quality.

Medical experts have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and keep windows closed, warning that prolonged exposure to the polluted air could trigger respiratory and cardiac complications, particularly among children and the elderly.

Authorities said the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has mobilized its 16 mechanical washers and 50 washing rickshaws as part of the ongoing anti-smog operation. Around 200 sanitation workers have been deployed in the day shift and another 200 at night, carrying out washing and water sprinkling on over 300 kilometers of roads daily.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that water sprinkling is being carried out twice a day across 47 major roads, including Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Noor Jahan Road, MM Alam Road, GT Road, Band Road, Ravi Road, Shahdara, Saggian, Nazaria Pakistan Avenue, Raiwind Road, and Ferozepur Road, among other high-AQI areas.

In the night shift, mechanical washing and water sprinkling are being ensured at all entry and exit points of Lahore, in a bid to suppress dust and particulate matter contributing to smog formation.

Pakistan continues cross-border strikes after negotiations hit deadlock

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Pakistan continues

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar confirmed that negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have failed, adding that Islamabad appreciates the diplomatic backing extended by friendly nations.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atta Tarar confirmed that negotiations with the Afghan Taliban had broken down. He asserted that the Government of Pakistan will employ all available resources to completely eradicate terrorism from the country.

“The government will continue to take all possible measures against terrorism. The terrorists, their hideouts, and facilitators will be eliminated,” Tarar said.

He revealed that the dialogue between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, held in Istanbul, ended without any outcome.

According to the minister, Pakistan repeatedly lodged protests with the Taliban government over cross-border terrorism and the activities of banned outfits such as the TTP and BLF. “However, the Afghan Taliban resorted to blame-shifting, delays, and excuses,” he added.

Tarar further remarked that the Taliban government does not represent the Afghan people and is dependent on a war-driven economy for its survival. “Continuous support for anti-Pakistan terrorism has rendered Pakistan’s efforts futile,” he said.

The minister also thanked Qatar, Turkiye, and other friendly nations for their sincere diplomatic efforts in facilitating the talks.

Powerful Hurricane Melissa hits Caribbean, three killed

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Powerful Hurricane

The most powerful storm of the year, Hurricane Melissa, has begun battering parts of the Caribbean, according to international news agencies.

Classified as a Category 5 hurricane, Melissa has already caused torrential rains across Haiti, leaving at least three people dead. Authorities reported that flights have been suspended in southern Haiti, while more than 3,000 residents have been moved to emergency shelters.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) stated that Melissa’s winds have reached speeds of up to 280 kilometers per hour (174 mph). The storm is expected to make landfall in Jamaica later today before moving toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas.

In anticipation of the storm, Jamaican authorities have urged residents to evacuate low-lying areas and move to designated shelters.

Jamaican Prime Minister has warned of the potential for widespread destruction, emphasizing the government’s preparedness for emergency response operations.

Air Pollution: Lahore faces alarming smog levels once again

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Air Pollution

Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab, remained the world’s most polluted city on Tuesday, as real-time data from global air quality monitor IQAir showed dangerously high pollution levels across the metropolis.

At 8 a.m., Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 410, placing it in the “hazardous” category, while the city’s average level stood at 329 later in the day.

Among the most affected localities were Sanda Road (767 AQI), Township (758), Model Town (574), Allama Iqbal Town (511), and Gulberg III (390).

Air pollution also persisted across other cities of Punjab, with Faisalabad recording a particulate matter (PM2.5) level of 622, Multan 485, and Bahawalpur 255, according to environmental reports.

As per IQAir’s latest index, New Delhi ranked second, Dhaka third, and Kolkata fourth among the world’s most polluted cities. Karachi stood fifth with an AQI of 165.

Experts warned that low wind speed and falling temperatures are trapping pollutants close to the ground, intensifying smog and reducing visibility—particularly during late night, early morning, and evening hours. They added that the air may improve slightly between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. when higher temperatures and wind movement help disperse pollutants.

Medical experts have urged citizens to wear protective masks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.

Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb advised residents to use masks whenever outdoor movement is unavoidable to reduce exposure to toxic air.

In response to worsening conditions, the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) deployed 16 mechanical washers and 50 washer rickshaws as part of its anti-smog operation.

More than 400 sanitation workers have been assigned for day and night shifts, washing and sprinkling water on over 300 kilometers of major roads daily.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 47 main roads—including Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Noor Jehan Road, MM Alam Road, GT Road, Bund Road, and Ferozepur Road—are being washed twice daily to suppress dust and reduce airborne particulates.

In the past 24 hours, authorities registered 14 FIRs, imposed ₨1 million in fines on 115 violators, and issued 53 warnings across Lahore and other districts.

Violations included crop residue burning (13 cases), emission from smoke-producing vehicles (86), illegal industrial operations (5), and brick kiln violations (10).

Cumulatively, during the ongoing smog season, police have filed 1,642 cases, arrested 1,571 offenders, imposed fines exceeding ₨150 million, and issued over 15,000 warnings.

Officials reported 500 crop-burning cases, 55,763 vehicle violations, 1,599 industrial violations, and 3,185 brick kiln breaches across Punjab.

Brazilian model harassed by food delivery agent in Bengaluru hotel

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Brazilian model

Bengaluru: A Brazilian model was allegedly harassed by a food delivery agent at a hotel in Bengaluru, India, according to Indian media reports.

Police said the incident took place when the model, who was staying at a hotel in Karnataka’s capital, received an online food order delivered by a part-time agent. The accused allegedly touched her inappropriately and misbehaved while handing over the parcel.

In her complaint to the police, the model stated that she had ordered food through an online delivery app, and upon delivery, the man behaved indecently and attempted to physically harass her.

According to reports, Deputy Commissioner of Police confirmed the incident, identifying the accused as Kumar Rao, a college student who works as a part-time delivery agent. Police said the suspect was arrested the same day after the harassment complaint was filed.

21 students injured after school bus plunges into canal in Sheikhupura

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21 students

SHEIKHUPURA: At least 21 schoolchildren were injured when a bus collided with a truck and veered into a canal near the Sheikhupura Bypass, according to rescue officials.

According to rescue officials, 21 children were injured in the accident. Six students received first aid at the scene, while 15 others were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Rescue teams promptly arrived at the site and carried out relief operations.

Pakistan, KSA reaffirm enduring strength of brotherly bonds: PM

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Pakistan

RIYADH: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman renewed their commitment to advancing the deep-rooted partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on expanding trade and investment cooperation.

In a post on X, he said, “It was a great pleasure and honor to meet my brother, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh today.” “I remain deeply grateful for His Royal Highness’s personal commitment and resolute support in advancing our shared vision for deeper collaboration and prosperity for our two nations and peoples,” he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, also attended the meeting.

Upon arrival at the Al-Yamamah Palace, the Saudi Crown Prince warmly received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation.

The Prime Minister is visiting Saudi Arabia at the special invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and will participate in the 9th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference during his stay.

Indian Minister blames Australian cricketers for harassment incident

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Indore: In a shocking statement, Madhya Pradesh’s Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kailash Vijayvargiya, has blamed two Australian women cricketers for the recent sexual harassment incident in Indore, suggesting that the players themselves were at fault.

The controversy erupted two days ago when a man riding a motorcycle allegedly touched one of the visiting Australian cricketers inappropriately while she was walking from her hotel to a café. The accused fled the scene but was later arrested by local police.

However, instead of condemning the act, BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya said the Australian players were partly responsible for the incident. “It was their mistake to go out without informing anyone. This incident will serve as a lesson for them to be more cautious in the future,” he stated.

The minister further admitted that the episode reflected a “security failure” but maintained that the players should have been more careful.

His remarks have sparked outrage across India, with the opposition Congress party calling the comments “disgraceful and reflective of BJP’s mentality.”
Congress leader Arun Yadav said, “The entire nation is ashamed of what happened. Instead of protecting women, BJP leaders are blaming the victims — this exposes their regressive mindset.”

The incident has once again reignited debate in India over women’s safety and the repeated tendency of public figures to engage in victim-blaming rather than demanding accountability.

Fire erupts in school van, six children hurt in Karachi

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Fire erupts

KARACHI: Another alarming incident of school transport safety emerged in Karachi on Monday as a van caught fire in Nazimabad, leaving six children injured.

According to rescue officials, the fire erupted after the vehicle overheated, engulfing the van while it was transporting students. The incident occurred at around 7:30 a.m., leaving six children with burn injuries.

Rescue teams immediately arrived at the scene and shifted the injured children to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital(ASH) Karachi for medical treatment.

Police officials, however, stated that they were not formally informed about the incident. Local residents reportedly acted on their own and extinguished the fire before emergency services arrived.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and whether the van met safety standards for school transport.

Kashmiris across world mark 78th anniversary of Indian occupation

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Kashmiris across

Muzaffarabad: October 27 marks the darkest day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, as it was on this day in 1947 that India illegally occupied a large part of the princely state. Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and across the world are observing Black Day today to reaffirm their resolve for freedom.

According to historical accounts, on October 27, 1947, India forcibly landed its troops in Jammu and Kashmir, violating the principles of the partition of the subcontinent.

 Since then, the people of Kashmir have continued their struggle for self-determination, enduring decades of violence and oppression. Reports suggest that in the past 34 years, nearly 100,000 Kashmiris have been killed.

Despite United Nations (UN) resolutions promising the right to self-determination, Kashmiris have yet to be granted this right. Observers and analysts have called on the international community to play a decisive role in ensuring a fair plebiscite in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Every year, Kashmiris across the globe mark October 27 as Black Day to highlight what they describe as Indian aggression and human rights violations in the occupied territory.

Rallies, protests, and seminars are held worldwide to draw attention to the ongoing struggle and to reject India’s unilateral measures, including the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status.

Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, described October 27 as the darkest day in the region’s history, saying India violated the principles of partition by deploying its forces against the wishes of the Kashmiri people and occupying part of the territory.

He said India’s claim over Jammu and Kashmir, based on the so-called Instrument of Accession, was rejected by the United Nations, and that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have never accepted Indian rule. He added that India continues to commit grave human rights violations in the occupied territory.

Citing historical atrocities, Anwar-ul-Haq recalled that in November 1947, Indian troops, Dogra forces, and extremists from the RSS and Akali Dal massacred nearly 250,000 Muslims in Jammu. Since 1989, more than 96,000 civilians have been killed in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued separate messages on the occasion, calling upon the international community—particularly the United Nations and global human rights organizations—to hold India accountable for what they termed “grave and systematic human rights violations” in IIOJK.

President Zardari said the United Nations “owes it to the Kashmiri people” to ensure justice and peace, adding that lasting stability in South Asia depends on a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

He said that on this day in 1947, Indian forces entered Srinagar in blatant violation of international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, marking the beginning of one of the darkest chapters in modern history. Since then, generations of Kashmiris have endured repression, violence, and denial of their fundamental rights.

Referring to the events of August 5, 2019, the president said India’s unilateral revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status intensified its “brutal campaign,” which included a military siege, destruction of properties, and the enforcement of draconian laws that curtail fundamental freedoms.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that peace and stability in South Asia would remain elusive without the just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination.