Lahore's air quality index soars to record high of over 1000
Lahore's air pollution reached alarming levels on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 1,000, 71.1 times above the World Health Organization's limit. This spike occurred despite a "green lockdown" aimed at reducing pollution. Punjab's senior minister attributed the pollution to crop burning in India, claiming that winds carried the smoke into Pakistan. As the day progressed, the AQI improved, dropping to 216 by evening. Authorities have arrested over 1,000 people and fined drivers for excessive emissions. New restrictions include banning polluting vehicles and limiting construction work, as the city grapples with severe smog conditions.