Lahore Re-News Pakistan
Lower temperatures, an unusually stagnant atmosphere and thick, visibility reducing fog combined over Lahore on Wednesday to create a meteorological pattern that trapped suspended pollutants close to the ground. With virtually no wind to disperse the smog, concentrations of fine particles escalated rapidly, driving the city’s Air Quality Index into dangerously high thresholds within a short span of time.

According to technical assessments by the Environment Department, Lahore’s AQI is expected to remain between 340 and 450 from midnight until 1pm, a range that global air quality standards classify as highly hazardous. Experts note that the prevailing pressure conditions and minimal early morning airflow continue to support the accumulation of toxic particulates.

A modest improvement is anticipated later in the afternoon, when wind speeds are forecast to increase to 7 to 9 kilometres per hour, allowing some dispersion of the pollution. From 2pm to 5pm, AQI readings are expected to fall to 200 to 275, which specialists describe as the day’s “relatively safer” window for outdoor exposure.

Acting on directives issued by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, authorities have sharply escalated anti smog operations across the city. AI powered monitoring, drone surveillance and continuous industrial inspections have been deployed to detect violations with greater speed and accuracy.

Joint teams from the Safe City Authority and the Environment Department have intensified their crackdown on substandard fuel, smoke emitting vehicles and the burning of solid waste. Dozens of daily fines, field inspections and on the spot enforcement measures have been reported. Officials emphasise that while advanced technology has accelerated progress, public participation remains crucial for any meaningful improvement.

The administration has reaffirmed its zero tolerance policy on the burning of rubbish, tyres and all forms of illegal industrial emissions, warning that strict legal action will be taken against offenders.

(Re News Bureau Desk)
The Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a high level meeting that approved major urban reforms and an extensive traffic management plan for Lahore and other major cities of the province. The decisions are expected to directly affect urban infrastructure, land use, commercial activity and the daily life of residents.

The meeting decided that all wedding halls without proper parking facilities will be shut down. The Chief Minister directed that every wedding hall must provide an organised parking area along with a complete traffic management plan, otherwise its operating permission will be cancelled. This move is expected to have a direct impact on Lahore’s commercial land use policy and the existing traffic load around key corridors.

The government also approved a complete ban on the entry of Qingqi rickshaws on five model roads of Lahore in order to improve traffic flow and strengthen safety across major transport corridors. In addition, all important U turns in the city will be redesigned to reduce accidents and ease congestion on busy intersections.

The Chief Minister issued a final warning to the traffic authorities, giving them a thirty day deadline to improve the city’s traffic situation. She cautioned that if performance does not improve, major administrative changes will follow within the department. She stressed that an efficient traffic system is a fundamental part of Lahore’s urban structure and can no longer be overlooked.

(Re-News Reporting Desk)
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) has restored electricity to four residential projects in Bahria Town Lahore after the housing society cleared outstanding dues amounting to Rs682.2 million. Power supply was resumed immediately after the payment was made.

A Lesco spokesperson confirmed that electricity to all four schemes, including the main Bahria Town near Mohlanwal, had been fully restored. The sudden suspension of power a day earlier had caused serious concern among residents, who had announced a protest to be held after Friday prayers.

According to Lesco chief executive Ramzan Butt, the final deadline for bill payment was initially 21 November, later extended to 23 November at the society’s request, with further extensions granted in the following days. However, after the last deadline of 27 November also passed without payment, the company disconnected supply. The main Bahria Town project alone owed more than Rs530 million, he said.

The CEO added that instead of clearing the dues, the housing society approached the court, reportedly to seek relief, but before any ruling could be obtained, Lesco proceeded with the disconnection in line with its regulations.

It is worth noting that in 2024 Lesco had also cut power to Bahria Town over unpaid electricity bills exceeding Rs760 million.