Air pollution and smog levels across Punjab have reached alarming levels, with Faisalabad topping the global pollution index as the most polluted city of the day, followed by Gujranwala and Multan.
According to global air quality monitoring organisation IQAir, Faisalabad recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 554, Gujranwala 546, Multan 478, Lahore 471, and Bahawalpur 389. Meanwhile, official provincial data showed AQI levels of 500 in Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujranwala and Kasur early in the morning, 447 in Lahore, 408 in Faisalabad, and 352 in Multan.
IQAir further reported extremely hazardous air quality readings in parts of Lahore, including 980 at the Forest Department Office on Ravi Road, 790 near G-3 Engineering Council, and 759 in DHA Phase 8. However, the Punjab Air Quality Index recorded 500 on Burki Road and Egerton Road, 394 at Wagah Border, and 384 at Safari Park.
The Smog Monitoring and Forecasting System noted that winds are currently blowing from east to west across Punjab. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) reported that polluted air masses from Indian regions including Haryana, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Jalandhar are entering Pakistan, affecting air quality in Lahore, Faisalabad, Kasur, and Gujranwala.
Experts warn that an accumulation of smog and fine particulate matter has intensified pollution levels, with AQI expected to range between 330 and 370 throughout the day. According to the EPD, the air quality in Lahore is expected to remain unhealthy, especially during early morning, late evening, and night hours. Slight improvement is expected between 1 pm and 5 pm, though overall conditions will remain unsafe.
Authorities have advised the public particularly children, the elderly, and patients to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.
Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb stated that, on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, anti-smog measures have been intensified. Twelve provincial departments are enforcing a joint action plan. Over 10,000 notices have been issued, industrial inspections have led to the closure of dozens of smoke-emitting factories and brick kilns, and heavy fines have been imposed.
She added that only environment-friendly zigzag-technology brick kilns are permitted to operate. More than 1,200 monitoring teams are active across the province to ensure compliance, including dust-control SOPs at construction sites. “The Punjab government is committed to safeguarding public health, eliminating smog-causing factors, and restoring clean air,” she said.
