Pakistan blames India’s Diwali fireworks for Lahore’s toxic air
Summary
Pakistan blamed drifting pollution from India’s Diwali firecrackers for Lahore’s toxic air, as the city again ranked among the world’s most polluted major cities. Delhi also recorded severe pollution, with firecrackers and crop-waste burning contributing to hazardous winter smog across the region.
Key Points
- Lahore was ranked the world’s most polluted major city for a second day with an AQI of 263, or “very unhealthy.”
- Pakistan said polluted air from India, driven by light winds after Diwali fireworks, worsened Lahore’s air quality.
- Delhi was ranked the second-most polluted major city, with Indian data showing firecrackers caused nearly 55% of PM2.5 the previous day.
- Crop-waste burning, vehicle emissions and construction dust remain major sources of winter pollution on both sides of the border.
