ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday said smog conditions in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province are expected to persist throughout November and December, advising citizens to take precautions to protect themselves from air pollution.
Toxic smog has shrouded Pakistan’s cultural capital of Lahore and 17 other districts in Punjab since last month. Health officials say more than 40,000 people have been treated for respiratory ailments forcing Punjab to close schools until Nov. 17 to protect children’s health. The UN children’s agency has warned that the health of 11 million children in Punjab is in danger due to air pollution.
South Asia, particularly India and Pakistan, is shrouded in intense pollution every winter as cold air traps emissions, dust, and smoke from farm fires. Pollution could cut more than five years from people’s life expectancy in the region, a study found last year.
In its latest advisory, the NDMA said it has been monitoring the smog situation in Pakistan and its surrounding areas via state-of-the-art ground-based and space-based monitoring tools.
“It is anticipated that smog conditions will persist throughout November and December in the plains of Punjab,” the NDMA said. “Urban centers such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera are expected to experience smog during these months.”
The disaster management agency said it used its monitoring tools to analyze and project emissions from the industry, transportation and agriculture sectors.
“This includes emissions from stubble burning, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides, as well as surface-level ozone and particulate matter like PM10 and PM2.5,” the NDMA added. “Using information on aerosol optical depth, our team is identifying hotspots significantly affected by smog.”
Seasonal crop burn-off by farmers on the outskirts of Lahore also contributed to toxic air, which the World Health Organization says can cause strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
The NDMA urged people to avoid stepping outdoors during smog peak hours in the morning, wear masks during outdoor activities, stay hydrated and use dehumidifiers.
Last month, Punjab identified four hotspots in the city where it imposed restrictions. These included banning auto rickshaws with polluting two-stroke engines, along with restaurants that operate barbecues without filters.
Last Friday, Pakistani authorities ordered the closure of all parks and museums for 10 days, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel.
Pakistan says smog to persist in Punjab’s plain areas throughout November and December
https://arab.news/by6y3
Pakistan says smog to persist in Punjab’s plain areas throughout November and December
- Toxic smog has shrouded Pakistan’s cultural capital Lahore and 17 other districts in Punjab since last month
- Punjab has closed schools, banned entry of heavy transport vehicles on specific days in Lahore amid smog crisis
US approves sale of $686 million tech upgrade, equipment for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets
- US Defense Security Cooperation Agency informs Congress sale will allow Pakistan to partner with US in counterterror efforts, won’t alter regional military balance
- Non-Major Defense Equipment includes aircraft hardware and software modifications, precision navigation, cryptographic devices, and spare and repair parts
ISLAMABAD: The United States has approved the sale of advanced technology support and equipment for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets valued at $686 million, according to a letter sent by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to the American Congress, saying the move would allow Islamabad to partner with Washington in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
As per a copy of the document dated Dec. 8 seen by Arab News, the letter stated that Islamabad has requested to buy 92 Link-16 systems communication/data-sharing networks and six Mk–82 inert 500-lb general purpose bomb bodies. The letter also said that the sale includes non-Major Defense Equipment items such as aircraft hardware and software modifications, precision navigation, cryptographic devices, other weapons integration, test and support equipment such as spare and repair parts.
“The estimated total cost is $686 million,” the DSCA’s letter to Congress reads. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
Pakistan and the US have been key allies in battling militants in the region, with Islamabad counted among Washington’s closes non-NATO allies during the “War on Terror” campaign. The proposed sale takes place as Washington, under US President Donald Trump, warms up to Pakistan after his recent meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
The DSCA letter said the sale will maintain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block–52 and Mid Life Upgrade F–16 fleet.
“These updates will provide more seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises, and training, and refurbishment will extend the aircraft life through 2040 while addressing critical flight safety concerns,” the letter added.
It further said Pakistan has shown a commitment to maintaining its military forces and “will have no difficulty” absorbing these articles into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the letter said.
The principal contractor for the deal will be Lockheed Martin Company, the DSCA said, adding that the implementation of the sale will not require the assignment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Pakistan.
“All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal have been authorized for release and export to the Government of Pakistan,” the letter concluded.
The development takes place as Pakistan undertakes efforts to expand its fleet of fighter jets, defense exports and deepen military-industrial partnerships with other countries. Islamabad claimed last month that a “friendly country” signed a memorandum of understanding to procure Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter aircraft during the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role fighter that Pakistan jointly developed with China, has become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) over the past decade. It is designed to replace aging legacy aircraft.
The South Asian country has been eager to assert its regional dominance, especially when it comes to air warfare, after its four-day military confrontation with India in May.
Pakistan claimed it shot down seven Indian fighter jets during the May altercation between the two forces. Indian officials have acknowledged their planes were shot down but have refused to share the exact number, rejecting Pakistan’s claim it had shot down seven.
