Air pollution in Punjab has risen sharply again, with hazardous smog covering major cities. Lahore has been ranked the second most polluted city in the world, according to international monitoring agency IQAir.
The latest data shows Lahore’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 318, with certain areas recording extreme readings between 647 and 855. The Forest Department and Ravi Road localities were identified as the most polluted zones. Punjab’s own monitoring system showed Lahore’s AQI at 397, the second-highest in the province. Experts believe that the system’s upper limit of 500 means the true level of hazardous smog could be even higher.
Severely affected areas include Shahdara, Kahna, Punjab University, DHA Phase 6, Wagah Border, Barki Road, and Safari Park. These locations all recorded the maximum AQI reading of 500, posing serious health risks to residents.
Other cities in Punjab are also suffering from hazardous smog. Bahawalpur has reported the highest AQI of 620, followed by Multan (427), Faisalabad (418), and Gujranwala (379). All these cities fall within the hazardous pollution category, indicating poor air quality across the province.
The Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD) stated in its October 2025 report that both government efforts and public participation have slightly improved the situation. During the month, the department carried out 28,675 inspections, issued 707 notices, sealed 521 factories and kilns, and filed 567 FIRs. Fines worth Rs5.88 crore were imposed on violators. Under the Plastic-Free Punjab campaign, 28.8 tonnes of plastic bags were confiscated.
In addition, 2,070 schools implemented waste segregation systems, while water and air quality tests continued across the province. The EPD also inspected 763 heavy vehicles and conducted 7,042 emission tests to reduce smoke from transport sources.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to use drone technology and advanced data tools for long-term smog control. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb added that the goal is to create a sustainable, smog-free Punjab through public awareness, industrial compliance, and community action.
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