Polluted Air from Indian Capital Delhi Causing People Sick in Pakistan’s Lahore

Pakistan on Monday blamed India for a nasty smog in Lahore and a poor air quality there, which is making tens of thousands of Pakistanis sick, news organisations have reported.

The grey smog, reportedly, is making tens of thousands of Pakistanis, young and old, sick since the last one month, rushing the government in Pakistan issue an advisory to its citizens avoid going out unnecessarily, unless there is valid reason.

Pakistani city of Lahore borders with India, and is close to India’s capital Delhi. Delhi’s air quality is poor and a strong wind blowing from Delhi towards Lahore through Punjab in Pakistan, is reportedly worsening the air quality in Lahore, according to Pakistani authorities.

"Delhi ranks first in smog levels today, with Lahore following closely in second place. Delhi's air quality index is around 393, while Lahore’s is close to 280," said Pakistan’s Punjab province Information Minister Azma Bokhari, as quoted by news organisations. "The wind direction brings air from India into Pakistan, yet India does not seem to be taking this problem as seriously as it should."

Bokhari urged the Indian side of Punjab state to take this matter seriously.