LAHORE: Air pollution across Punjab has risen to alarming levels as polluted winds from India continue to enter the province, deteriorating air quality and pushing Lahore and its surrounding areas into the “unhealthy” category.
The atmosphere has turned toxic once again, with Lahore topping the list of the world’s most polluted cities. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous level of 312, while India’s capital, New Delhi, ranked second with an AQI of 239.
Other major Punjab cities also reported dangerous readings, Faisalabad recorded 540, Gujranwala 371, Multan 364, and Bahawalpur 250. Health experts have urged citizens to wear masks and adopt precautionary measures to protect themselves.
Slow winds blowing from the northeast, passing through the agricultural regions of eastern Punjab and Haryana, have worsened conditions in Lahore and central Punjab. The recent rise in stubble burning incidents in Indian farmlands has released high levels of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ particles into the air, which have drifted across the border into Pakistan.
With wind speeds between 4 and 9 kilometers per hour, pollutants are failing to disperse and are instead accumulating near the ground, worsening air quality. Hospitals in Lahore are reporting a steady increase in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses.
Pollution levels are expected to spike during early morning and nighttime hours, with slight improvement anticipated between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. due to temperature rise. Officials said the situation remains under control but advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially during mornings and evenings.
Under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, anti-smog operations have been intensified across the province. Active anti-smog squads are operating in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Gujranwala. The Agriculture Department has been instructed to accelerate the introduction of alternatives to stubble burning, similar to India’s model, by promoting the use of super seeders and eco-friendly machinery.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has increased surveillance in industrial zones and brick kilns, imposing heavy fines and immediate penalties on violators. According to the Punjab government, improved climate monitoring, modern equipment, and cross-border air data analysis are helping to identify measures for improving air quality.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that eliminating pollution is impossible without public cooperation and individual commitment. She urged citizens to avoid going outdoors unnecessarily after 8 p.m. and to keep children and the elderly indoors. She also advised against dining out at night and confirmed that all educational institutions have been directed to suspend outdoor activities.
Considering the worsening smog and the onset of winter, the Punjab government has revised school timings, with classes now beginning at 8:45 a.m. starting today.
