Pakistan to Raise Air Pollution Issue Against India at Global Forum

Pakistan has decided to take up the issue of rising air pollution with India at the international level, announcing plans to present key evidence against its neighbor during the upcoming Cape Environment Conference.

According to reports, air pollution has reached dangerous levels in Lahore and several other cities of Punjab. Following this alarming rise, Pakistan will officially highlight India’s role in worsening regional air quality.

Sources said the Punjab government will present crucial evidence against India at the conference. Acting on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Environment Department has already started collecting data related to cross-border air pollution.

Officials claim that around 15 Indian cities are directly contributing to pollution in Pakistan because India has failed to control the burning of crop residue, a major cause of smog in the region.

Pakistan will be represented by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, who will present the country’s case on environmental pollution before the international community.

Speaking to the media, Maryam Aurangzeb said that the current smog is seasonal, lasting around three months each year. However, Punjab’s environment suffers more due to polluted winds blowing from across the Indian border.

She added that the Maryam Nawaz-led government is taking historic steps to improve the Air Quality Index (AQI). Within just the first 16 days of October, Punjab launched multiple initiatives, including the Punjab AQI app and online portal, while work is progressing rapidly on the region’s first climate observatory.

The minister also advised citizens to wear masks, especially children and the elderly, during early morning hours. She urged farmers, industries, and the public to cooperate with the government’s efforts, emphasizing that “if everyone plays their part, we can win the battle for cleaner air.”