Indian Smog Begins Poisoning Air Across Pakistan and the Wider Region

LAHORE: According to a media report, Indian smog has become a source of pollution for Pakistan and the entire region. The report says cross-border pollution is making the air in Lahore, upper Punjab and the border districts dangerously toxic.

The report says Indian air pollution can be clearly seen from space. NASA’s MODIS and VIIRS sensors and the European Space Agency’s Sentinel satellites show a continuous layer of pollution spread over India’s skies.

The report says the main cause of rising air pollution in winter is the burning of crop residue in India. Toxic smoke from burning stubble in Indian Punjab and Haryana affects Pakistan’s border areas first. Because of their geographical proximity, the immediate effect of Indian farmers’ violation of the law is felt on Pakistani Punjab’s Air Quality Index.

According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, between 15 September and 1 November 2026, 3,316 incidents of stubble burning were reported across seven states.

The report says that every winter, thick clouds of smoke and fog spread over the Ganges plains, engulfing Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Environmental experts say that, despite being the largest source of pollution in the region, India is reluctant to develop a joint strategy with its neighbours.

Apart from crop residue, ongoing industrial activity in India keeps the air toxic throughout the year.