Lahore’s air pollution crisis has reached alarming levels, with the city registering a hazardous AQI of 412, making it the most polluted city in the world. The thick smog has affected daily life for 14 million residents, causing respiratory issues, throat irritation, and eye discomfort, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Meteorological experts have attributed the worsening smog to a combination of local emissions from vehicles and factories, stubble burning in Punjab, and pollutants drifting from India, amplified by Diwali fireworks and low-speed winds that trap particulates near the ground. AQI readings in some neighbourhoods have spiked above 600, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
The Punjab provincial government has responded with multiple measures, including a ban on plastic bags, relocation of brick kilns, deployment of anti-smog guns and water sprinkling tankers, and the establishment of a dedicated ‘smog war room’ and helpline. Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to encourage community participation in reducing pollution.
Authorities have conducted enforcement actions, arresting 83 individuals linked to industrial emissions, vehicle violations, and open burning of tyres and waste. Despite these interventions, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that the smog is expected to persist over eastern Punjab for several days, posing ongoing health risks and disruption to daily life and business activities.
