NEW DELHI, Nov 5:   Senior Pakistan’s Punjab government minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has linked the recent spike in Lahore’s air pollution levels to polluted winds from Indian cities such as Amritsar and Chandigarh. Speaking at a televised press conference on Sunday as reported by TOI, Aurangzeb stressed the urgent need for dialogue with India to tackle the deteriorating air quality index (AQI), which alarmingly reached 1,067 just a day prior.

Aurangzeb, who is responsible for environment protection and climate change in Punjab, noted that Lahore’s AQI has now stabilized around 500 following fluctuations in wind direction and speed. She reported that the AQI had surged to 1,067 in central Lahore on Saturday before decreasing to approximately 200 as the winds shifted, stabilizing between 180 and 200.

Citing scientific data, Aurangzeb explained that the winds causing the pollution were originating from various Indian cities, including Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bathinda, Sri Ganganagar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar, which contributed to Lahore’s unprecedented pollution levels.

She emphasized that addressing the cross-border smog issue requires cooperative efforts, stating, “We cannot stop or redirect the Indian air; the only solution is dialogue.” Aurangzeb confirmed that the Pakistan Punjab government intends to approach Pakistan’s federal foreign ministry to diplomatically raise the pollution issue with India.

Additionally, Aurangzeb urged local farmers to use machinery for managing crop stubble instead of burning it, which exacerbates air pollution. This call for action follows similar statements from Pakistan Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, who also expressed intentions to contact her Indian counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, to discuss measures aimed at reducing air pollution.