KEY POINTS
- Severe pollution level prompted health experts to recommend wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities.
- The Punjab government has implemented urgent measures to combat the pollution crisis.
- Efforts to reduce pollution include road washing, water sprinkling, and actions against industries contributing to environmental violations.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s second-largest city Lahore continues to dominate the global air quality rankings, holding the title of the most polluted city in the world, according to the global air quality monitor, IQAir.
On Wednesday, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to a hazardous peak of 422, before slightly dropping to 341, still categorized as “hazardous.”
This persistent pollution crisis has placed Lahore at the top of the list, with other cities such as New Delhi, Beijing, Kinshasa, and Karachi lagging behind with significantly lower AQI scores.
Severe Air Quality Threatens Public Health
Lahore’s air quality has been deteriorating over recent days, with the AQI fluctuating between hazardous levels, severely affecting the health of its residents.
The surge in AQI has prompted alarming concerns, particularly as it reached the highest levels in several key areas.
On the worst day, some regions of Lahore, such as Sanda Road, Cantt, Iqbal Town, and Burki Road, recorded AQI values as high as 941, 690, 639, and 616, respectively.
Other Affected Cities in Punjab
While Lahore is bearing the brunt of the crisis, other cities in Punjab are also experiencing severe pollution.
Multan’s AQI hit 507, Faisalabad reached 712, while Gujranwala and Peshawar recorded relatively lower AQI levels of 287 and 219, respectively.
The rising pollution levels across the region have raised concerns for public health and have led health experts to advise citizens to limit outdoor activities and wear masks for protection against harmful pollutants.
Government Response: Urgent Measures to Combat Smog
In response to the escalating crisis, the Punjab government has raised a high alert and has taken immediate action.
School timings across the province have been revised, with classes now beginning at 8:35 am to ensure students avoid exposure to the early morning pollution.
The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has intensified its efforts by launching a large-scale anti-smog operation.
The initiative includes deploying 16 mechanical washers, 50 regular washers, and 400 workers for road washing and water sprinkling.
VIDEO: 🇵🇰 Pakistan deploys mobile ‘anti-smog guns’ to combat air pollution
Authorities in Lahore have deployed the devices to curb air pollution ahead of the winter smog season. Pakistan regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted countries, with Lahore often the most… pic.twitter.com/2tezpvP9cC
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 28, 2025
These efforts aim to mitigate the pollution on a daily basis, with more than 300 kilometers of roads being cleaned each day.
Praising the Efforts of the Punjab Government
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb praised the proactive steps taken by the Punjab government, particularly Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, for her relentless efforts in combating the smog crisis.
In a statement, Aurangzeb called Nawaz’s leadership “a testament to the success of the vision for improving the environment in Punjab.”
Looking ahead, the minister expressed optimism that, with continued efforts, Punjab could see improvements similar to cities like Beijing, where effective anti-pollution measures have helped reduce smog levels.
Steps to Reduce Pollution: Action Against Polluting Plants
In addition to the anti-smog operations, the government has also been focusing on addressing the root causes of air pollution.
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) reported that the environmental violations score this year stands at 294, indicating a high level of non-compliance with environmental standards.
The Punjab government is currently taking action against plants and industries contributing significantly to the pollution levels.
Water Spraying Program: Tackling Pollution on Major Roads
To further combat the smog, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a comprehensive water spraying program across 47 major roads in Lahore, including Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, and GT Road.
These measures are being carried out both during the day and night shifts to ensure maximum impact in reducing the AQI levels and improving the city’s air quality.
