Polluted Cities

Following recent downpours that brought relief to Lahore from polluted air and smog, Peshawar and Karachi maintain their positions at the top of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Pakistan, continuing to experience high levels of unhealthy particles in the air.

In the ranking of the country’s most polluted cities, Peshawar, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Islamabad lead with concentrations of unhealthy particles measured at 168, 163, 158, 122, and 105, respectively.

The Punjab Environment Protection Department has released air pollution data for major cities in the province. Lahore College for Women University recorded 151 particulates, while Town Hall Lahore measured 166 particulates. In Shale Valley Range Road, Rawalpindi, air pollution was recorded at 55 particulates.

Furthermore, the Environment Protection Department of Punjab reported air pollution at 188 particulates in Shaheen Wells Phase Two, Lahore, Faisalabad Bypass Road, and Sheikhupura.

While Lahore experienced temporary relief due to rainfall, the persistently high levels of air pollution in other cities underscore the ongoing challenges and the need for comprehensive measures to address environmental concerns and protect public health. Authorities continue to monitor and address the factors contributing to poor air quality, aiming for sustainable improvements across the region.

Sad Demise: Caretaker KP Chief Minister Azam Khan Passes Away

Meanwhile,

Former bureaucrat and Caretaker Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azam Khan, passed away after being brought to the hospital last night due to cardiac arrest, as confirmed by the hospital administration. The private hospital has officially announced the death.

Muhammad Azam Khan, the former bureaucrat, had been appointed as the interim chief minister with the primary responsibility of ensuring transparent elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while maintaining law and order.