Environment & ESG Archives

Lahore tops global pollution charts as second most polluted city

November 22, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Air pollution levels in Lahore remain dangerously high, ranking the city second in global pollution charts.

According to an international website, Lahore recorded an AQI of 368, placing it second among the world’s most polluted cities, while Karachi stood at 209, ranking sixth.

The Punjab Environmental Department’s website reported that this morning Kasur was the most polluted city in the province, with an AQI of 500. Meanwhile, Khanewal recorded an AQI of 365, and Lahore 353.

Additionally, severe smog has forced the closure of the M1 Motorway from Peshawar to Rashkai, affecting traffic.

Lahore emerges as the world’s most polluted city

November 17, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Air quality in Lahore remains critically poor, placing the city at the top of global pollution rankings.

According to environmental monitoring websites, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 484, surpassing New Delhi, which recorded an AQI of 289.

Within Lahore, Wahga emerged as the most polluted area, registering an alarming AQI of 814. Other areas also recorded hazardous levels, including DHA at 768, Civil Secretariat at 695, and FC College at 686.

Additional areas affected include Allama Iqbal Town with an AQI of 678, Ravi Road at 667, and DHA Phase 8 at 615, highlighting the widespread air pollution across the city.

Other major cities in Punjab, including Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan, have also been listed among the most polluted urban centers in the country, reflecting a growing environmental and public health concern.

Authorities and environmental experts urge residents to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and take necessary precautions to mitigate the health risks associated with hazardous air pollution.

“I Won’t Be the Father My Dad Was”: Usman Mukhtar shares bitter memories

November 17, 2025 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani actor Usman Mukhtar has opened up about his childhood and the challenges he faced with his father, saying he is determined not to repeat the same mistakes with his own daughter.

In a recent interview, Usman reflected on his bitter childhood memories, explaining, “I will not be the kind of father my father was. His behavior towards me was very strict. Maybe he thought it was right, but for me, it wasn’t.”

He shared that his father’s approach had a deep impact on him, which now motivates him to be a better parent. “The way he treated me, I don’t want to treat my daughter the same way. That experience has made me want to be a better father for her,” he said.

Usman added that the experiences of childhood significantly shape a person’s life. “If my father hadn’t been the way he was, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I think differently for my daughter; I care for her deeply,” he explained.

Showing his hands-on approach, the actor shared a humorous anecdote, calling himself a “worried father.” He revealed that even before his daughter’s birth, he visited the doctor’s clinic to learn about the vaccinations and medical care she would need, emphasizing his dedication to her wellbeing.

Lahore ranks second globally as smog crisis deepens

November 13, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Air pollution in Punjab has surged to alarming levels, with Lahore emerging as the world’s second most polluted city, posing serious health risks to residents.

According to data from a global environmental monitoring website. The city’s average smog level has surged to an alarming AQI of 437.

In Lahore, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 667 in Allama Iqbal Town, 663 on Sanda Road, 649 near Government College University, 605 on Muratib Ali Road, 554 near Punjab University, 503 in Model Town, 498 in Shalimar, and 445 in Cantt.

Environmental experts warn that these readings fall in the “hazardous” category, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Meanwhile, New Delhi remains the most polluted city globally, with an AQI of 678. In other Punjab cities, the AQI was measured at 639 in Gujranwala, 460 in Faisalabad, and 429 in Multan.

Medical experts said that the ever-increasing pollution has become a serious threat to citizens, citizens should avoid unnecessary travel, make sure to use masks and avoid outdoor activities in the morning hours.

On the other hand, the weather forecasters say that today the maximum temperature of Lahore city was recorded at 26 while the minimum was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius, the wind is blowing at a speed of 3 km per hour in the city while the humidity ratio in the atmosphere was recorded at 80 percent.

Jonty Rhodes expresses concern over Delhi’s air quality

November 11, 2025 by Newsdesk

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes expressed concern over Delhi’s worsening air quality during a recent visit to India.

Rhodes shared comparative images of Delhi and Goa on social media platform X, highlighting the stark difference in air conditions.

Alongside the photos, he wrote, “Thankful that we live in South Goa where our children can play football outside, whereas in Delhi, children are told to stay indoors.”

This is what my “home” sunsets look like – and yes, those are my kids playing football! In Delhi they suggest staying indoors 😳 pic.twitter.com/AyJ0Cn4c2Z
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) November 9, 2025

It is worth noting that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) can reach up to 400 as winter approaches, making outdoor activities hazardous.

Rain and snowfall alert issued for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

November 4, 2025 by Newsdesk

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather alert, warning of rain and snowfall in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting Tuesday.

According to the PDMA, intermittent rainfall and snowfall are expected across different districts of the province until November 5. Local administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures in advance.

The PDMA has also warned of landslides in regions such as Abbottabad, Dir, Swat, Chitral, and Kohistan.

Heavy rainfall is anticipated in cities including Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan, which may cause damage to weak structures, power lines, and signboards.

The PDMA has urged citizens to take necessary precautions, while district administrations have been instructed to improve drainage systems.

ADB formulates comprehensive ‘Glaciers to Farms’ strategy for Pakistan

November 3, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unveiled a detailed strategy focused on strengthening Pakistan’s water, agriculture, and energy sectors against the growing threats posed by climate change.

According to the ADB, under the “Glaciers to Farms Program,” a detailed report will be prepared to assess the economic and environmental impacts of glacier melt in the region.

The program will also include strategic planning to mitigate climate-related damages, ensuring the sustainability of Pakistan’s water resources, agricultural productivity, and energy systems.

The ADB stated that global experts have been consulted for recommendations on glacier management and climate resilience.

These proposals will be reviewed at the upcoming International Convention of the East Asian Economic Association, scheduled to be held in the Philippines from November 8 to 9.

According to sources, the initiative is expected to serve as a key policy framework for promoting efficient water use, modern irrigation systems, and enhanced climate adaptation strategies in Pakistan.

Earlier, Pakistan’s economy is projected to grow by just 3% in the current fiscal year, making it the second slowest-growing economy in South Asia after Afghanistan, according to a new comparative report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The ADB report forecasts overall economic growth in South Asia to reach 6% this fiscal year. India is expected to lead the region with 6.5% growth, followed by Bhutan at 6%, Bangladesh at 5%, the Maldives at 4.9%, and Sri Lanka at 3.3%. Nepal is also projected to grow by 3%, while Afghanistan will post the lowest growth rate at 1.7%.

30 dead as Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc in Jamaica and Cuba

October 30, 2025 by Newsdesk

Hurricane Melissa, which has strengthened into a Category 3 storm, continues its destructive path after devastating Jamaica and Cuba, now heading toward the Bahamas.

At least 30 people have been killed — 25 in Haiti, four in Jamaica, and one in Dominica. In the Bahamas, authorities have issued evacuation orders for residents in the southern regions as the storm approaches.

Nearly 700,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations in Cuba, where power outages and blocked roads have been reported across affected areas.

In Jamaica, the parish of St. Elizabeth has been submerged, leaving more than half a million people without electricity. The hurricane’s fierce winds, torrential rains, and landslides have caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared a state of emergency across the country and appealed for international assistance.

Meanwhile, the United States has established a special task force to coordinate relief efforts in areas hit hardest by Hurricane Melissa.

Melissa becomes century’s most powerful Hurricane

October 29, 2025 by Newsdesk

Kingston/Havana: Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to strike the Caribbean in decades, hit Jamaica on Wednesday and is now moving toward Cuba, prompting large-scale evacuations and emergency precautions.

According to international media reports, more than 700,000 people across Cuba have been evacuated to safer areas due to fears of flooding, storm surges, and severe destruction.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Melissa initially struck Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, generating winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour, before weakening slightly to Category 4 as it advanced toward Cuba.

Heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides have been reported across the Caribbean, with at least seven deaths confirmed so far — three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned that the nation’s infrastructure is “not built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane,” urging citizens to remain indoors and cooperate with emergency services.

Melissa is expected to continue moving northwest, bringing torrential rain and destructive winds to parts of eastern Cuba and the Bahamas in the coming hours. Regional disaster response teams remain on high alert.

Punjab suffers as Lahore again tops global pollution chart

October 29, 2025 by Newsdesk

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.