The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a smog advisory, warning of heightened smog levels across various cities in Pakistan during November and December. According to the advisory, cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan are expected to experience significantly increased smog, with peak levels anticipated in the morning and evening hours.
The NDMA has urged citizens to take precautions by limiting unnecessary travel and wearing masks to reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants. Authorities are closely monitoring air quality levels and taking necessary measures to manage the worsening smog situation, which is exacerbated during Pakistan’s winter months due to seasonal weather patterns and pollution.
Read More: Pakistan Prepares for Intense Smog Across Major Cities
In Islamabad, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached an alarming 268, surpassing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended air quality guidelines by 38.7%. Authorities have advised individuals with respiratory conditions to wear masks as a precaution against the hazardous air quality. The Met Department forecasts dry weather for Islamabad and its surrounding areas, with the possibility of smog and fog covering the city.
In Punjab, smog and fog are expected during mornings and evenings in cities such as Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sialkot, Hafizabad, and Toba Tek Singh. Similar conditions are likely in Jhang, Narowal, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mangla, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, and Faisalabad. South Punjab, including Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Khanewal, Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan, will also face smog-related issues.
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In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cities like Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan are forecasted to experience similar fog and smog conditions. The Met Department also predicts foggy weather in Sindh’s Sukkur, Larkana, Kashmore, and Khairpur regions.
Additionally, hilly areas in Balochistan are expected to experience colder weather, especially during the mornings and nights. Authorities have recommended that residents take extra precautions to protect their health and well-being during these challenging weather conditions.
