Lahore, Multan, Peshawar most polluted cities in country

Commuters are moving along a road amid heavy smoggy conditions in Peshawar, Pakistan, on November 11, 2024. Polluted winds from India are engulfing most parts of Punjab and other areas as Lahore remains the most polluted city in the country. Multan is the second and Peshawar the third most polluted cities in the country with the highest levels of pollutants in the air. The Air Quality Index reading of Lahore is measuring 753, Multan’s 587, and Peshawar’s 463. The AQI readings of Islamabad and Haripur are also being recorded above 200. Motorway M-2, M-4, and M-5 are being closed due to poor visibility caused by foggy weather conditions. Bad air is continuing to haunt Lahore and several other cities despite authorities’ desperate efforts to curb smog. The situation is resulting in widespread traffic disruptions, as major motorways and roads are being closed at various points to prevent accidents. Reduced visibility is also leading to the closure of Motorway M1 from Peshawar to Rashakai and Motorway M2 from Bheera to Kot Momin. Motorway M2 is being closed from Lahore to Bhera, while Motorway M3 is being blocked from Lahore to Durkhana. Similarly, Motorway M4 is being shut down from Multan to Pindi Bhattian, and Motorway M5 is being closed from Multan to Sukkur. Additionally, the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway is also being blocked, further exacerbating the traffic situation.