ISLAMABAD: The government moved to quell public outrage on Friday as Climate Change Minister Dr Musadiq Malik defended the recent chopping of thousands of trees in the federal capital, claiming the exercise targeted non-native paper mulberry species linked to severe allergies. He said around 29,000 paper mulberry trees had been removed in accordance with earlier […]
environment
Interior minister seeks report on Shakarparian tree cutting
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has taken notice of large-scale tree cutting in the Shakarparian area, H-8, and along Park Road in Islamabad. The minister expressed concern after media reports highlighted the removal of trees and has requested a detailed report from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on the matter. Read More: Massive tree cutting leaves Shakarparian ‘bald and barren’ […]
Tourists flock to frozen Andarab Lake in Kalam
Hundreds of tourists are visiting the frozen Andarab Lake in Swat’s Kalam Valley, turning the scenic glacial site into a major winter attraction. Visitors from across the country are engaging in ice skating, walking on snow and other seasonal activities on the frozen surface of the lake. Read More: Azad Kashmir sets record with over […]
Climate crisis accelerates as scientists warn of tipping points and deadly heat
BELEM, Brazil – With the pace of climate change intensifying, scientists warn that extreme weather events and environmental disruptions are taking a mounting toll worldwide. Recent findings reveal that global temperatures, sea levels, and ecosystem instability are increasing faster than ever before. A major study published in June updated the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change […]
IFIs warn Pakistan of severe climate risks
ISLAMABAD: International Financial Institutions (IFIs) have expressed deep concern over Pakistan’s worsening climate vulnerability, environmental degradation, and unchecked population growth, warning that these factors could significantly undermine the country’s stability and economic future if left unaddressed. The warnings were issued during the closing plenary of the 28th Sustainable Development Conference on Friday, attended by experts […]
Gujranwala declared most polluted city in Pakistan
GUJRANWALA – Gujranwala has topped Pakistan’s pollution rankings, with Lahore and Karachi following closely behind, according to the latest air quality readings released on Sunday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Gujranwala soared to 379, indicating hazardous smog levels that have made breathing difficult for residents. The city’s industrial zones, including Khyali, Sheikhupura Road, and […]
Punjab changes school timings amid worsening Lahore smog
LAHORE – Punjab’s top environment official announced on Sunday that both government and private schools across the province will now open no earlier than 8:45 a.m. due to worsening air pollution levels. Director General Environment Imran Hamid Shaikh said that any violation of the revised school timing will result in fines ranging from five to […]
Lahore tops world’s most polluted cities as toxic smog chokes Punjab
LAHORE – Thick smog blanketed Punjab on Thursday morning, turning the air dangerously toxic and making it difficult for residents to breathe. The provincial capital, Lahore, once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, recording an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 603. According to data from air quality monitoring stations, AQI […]
Balochistan faces alarming water crisis
QUETTA – Large parts of Balochistan are grappling with a worsening water crisis, as rapidly depleting groundwater levels threaten both agriculture and daily life across the province — including the capital Quetta and its surrounding districts. According to experts, groundwater in the region is dropping by 3 to 4 feet every year, leaving thousands of […]
Air Pollution in New Delhi Soars to 16 Times WHO Limit After Diwali
NEW DELHI: India’s capital New Delhi was engulfed in a thick, toxic haze on Monday as air pollution levels soared to more than 16 times the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended safe limit, posing serious health risks to its residents. Home to over 30 million people, New Delhi and its surrounding metropolitan region are routinely […]