The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a smog advisory, warning of increased smog levels in various cities across Pakistan during November and December. According to the advisory, smog is expected to significantly impact Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan, with peak levels likely in the morning and evening hours. The NDMA urged citizens to take precautions by avoiding unnecessary travel and wearing masks to minimize exposure to harmful air pollutants. Authorities are monitoring air quality levels and implementing measures to manage the smog situation, which intensifies during Pakistan’s winter months due to seasonal weather patterns and pollution levels. Meanwhile, Islamabad recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 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 preventive measure against the hazardous air quality.

According to the Met Department, dry weather in Islamabad and its surrounding areas is expected to persist, while there is a possibility of smog and fog covers over the city. In Punjab, smog and fog are anticipated during the mornings and evenings in 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 is also expected to experience smog, affecting Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Khanewal, Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cities such as Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan are forecasted to face similar fog and smog issues. The Met Department also predicts foggy weather in Sindh’s Sukkur, Larkana, Kashmore, and Khairpur regions. Meanwhile, hilly areas in Balochistan are expected to experience cold weather during the mornings and nights.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan