Efforts to Combat Smog in Punjab Underway, E-buses to Roll Out by June
A 10-year provincial plan to tackle smog in Punjab has been in motion for the past eight months, the Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed. Among the initiatives, electric buses are set to be introduced on Punjab’s roads by June 2025. The health crisis caused by smog has escalated, with nearly two million people seeking treatment for respiratory issues in the past month alone. The government is also focusing on long-term measures to reduce air pollution.
Smog Causes Chaos: 4 Dead in Gujranwala Accidents
Heavy smog has led to several accidents across Punjab, including four fatalities and two injuries in Gujranwala, where poor visibility caused by the smog was a major factor. The worsening air quality continues to pose a serious health threat, with rising cases of asthma, eye infections, and cardiovascular conditions.
Internet Services Suspended in Parts of Balochistan
Mobile internet services have been suspended in select areas of Balochistan to ensure public safety, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced. However, the exact locations and duration of the service disruption remain unclear.
Bilawal Criticizes PML-N for Unfulfilled Promises
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed frustration with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing the ruling party of ignoring PPP during critical legislative processes. He also raised concerns over the government’s handling of security and internet policies and called for a new National Action Plan (NAP 2.0) to address terrorism.
Two Soldiers Martyred in Balochistan Blast
A major and a soldier were martyred in a blast in Harnai, Balochistan, while three terrorists were reportedly killed in a subsequent gunfight. The attack comes amid rising tensions and security concerns in the region.
PTA Signals Tougher Measures on VPNs
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has indicated that it may impose stricter restrictions on VPN services, citing their use by terrorists to facilitate violent activities. This follows a declaration by the Council of Islamic Ideology, which called the use of VPNs “illegal.”
Karachi’s LG By-polls Marked by Allegations of Rigging
Low voter turnout and allegations of rigging marked the local government by-elections in Karachi. Both Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of manipulating the results, with JI staging protests outside district offices.
Major Terrorist Attack in North Waziristan
At least five people, including women and children, were killed in a bombing in North Waziristan, while two others were kidnapped and murdered in Ziarat. Security forces continue to combat rising terrorism-related violence in the region.
Atif Aslam Launches Music Program “Borderless World”
Renowned singer Atif Aslam has unveiled his own music program, Borderless World, expanding his influence in the global entertainment scene. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans.
Punjab Smog Crisis: 1.93 Million Report Respiratory Issues
The health department of Punjab has reported a sharp increase in respiratory issues due to smog, with nearly two million seeking medical treatment for conditions like asthma and conjunctivitis in the past month. The situation remains critical, with ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact.
Key Developments Across the Country
- Sindh: New policies propose heavy penalties for delayed vehicle registration, while security measures are being stepped up for Chinese nationals.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Paramedics in Peshawar are planning a sit-in to demand a pay raise and better benefits.
- Balochistan: The region faces escalating violence, with a tribal elder and three others killed in a recent armed clash in Khuzdar. Additionally, a deadly blast in Charsadda has left one motorcyclist dead, with police investigating whether it was a suicide bombing.
