Lahore [Pakistan], November 16 (ANI): Punjab’s worsening air pollution crisis intensified on Saturday, with Lahore once again listed among the world’s most polluted cities, Dawn reported. For the fourth consecutive day, thick smog engulfed major parts of the provincial capital, drastically reducing visibility and raising serious health concerns for millions of residents.
Citing air quality data from IQAir, the report said Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to a “hazardous” level of 577 in the early hours, placing it among the most polluted cities globally. Although air quality showed marginal improvement later in the day, the city remained the second most polluted globally. AQI readings at multiple monitoring points in Lahore included 448 at Phase 8 DHA, 342 at Gurumangat Road, and 305 near the AC Office Shalimar Complex Wahga by 8 p.m., according to Dawn.
Other cities across Punjab also experienced severe smog. Gujranwala recorded particulate matter levels reaching 632, while Sialkot’s AQI touched 462, heightening public health alarms and prompting urgent appeals from experts for precautionary measures. Environmental specialists warned that prolonged exposure to such extreme air pollution can trigger respiratory illnesses, eye and throat irritation, and contribute to chronic health issues. Residents were urged to reduce outdoor movement, wear masks, and limit exposure wherever possible.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted dry weather across most districts of Punjab and cautioned that smog may continue to intensify in several low-lying areas.
As smog blanketed Lahore, a local group, Nawaz Sharif Lovers, launched a public awareness campaign at China Chowk, distributing masks and urging citizens to conduct vehicle emission checks and avoid leaving their homes without protective face coverings.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police continued its anti-smog enforcement efforts across the province, registering 28 cases over the past 24 hours. Authorities arrested violators and imposed fines totaling PKR 915,000 for breaches, including 26 incidents of crop residue burning, 227 violations related to smoke-emitting vehicles, and five cases linked to brick kilns.
A police spokesperson said that during the ongoing year, 2,548 cases have been registered and 2,278 people arrested under the anti-smog enforcement drive. Penalties totaling over PKR 192.3 million have been imposed on 91,518 individuals, while warnings were issued to 13,166 people for violations, including 1,652 cases of crop residue burning, 54,850 vehicle-related offenses, 1,407 industrial breaches, and 2,117 brick kiln-related violations.
Punjab’s Inspector General of Police has directed officers to intensify action on highways, agricultural zones, industrial units, and other hotspots, stressing a “zero-tolerance” policy against those defying smog-related standard operating procedures. (ANI)
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