LAHORE — Air quality across Punjab continued to worsen on Saturday, with Lahore being ranked the most polluted city in the world for the fourth consecutive day. Thick smog blanketed major parts of the provincial capital, reducing visibility and posing serious health risks for residents.
Data from IQAir, an international air quality monitoring platform, showed Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to a hazardous 577 in the early hours, making it one of the most polluted cities globally. By the evening, the AQI slightly improved, placing Lahore in the second position. Other stations in the city recorded AQI levels of 448 at Phase 8 DHA, 342 at Gurumangat Road, and 305 at AC Office Shalimar Complex Wahga.
Other major cities in Punjab also faced dangerous pollution levels. Gujranwala recorded an AQI of 632, far above safe limits, while Sialkot registered 462. Environmental experts warned that prolonged exposure to such smog could cause respiratory illnesses, eye and throat irritation, and long-term health complications. Authorities urged residents to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, and take precautions while smog conditions persisted.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted dry weather in most districts, with cold mornings and nights expected in Kashmir, Murree, and Galliyat. They also cautioned that smog could intensify over some plain areas of Punjab.
In response, a smog awareness campaign was launched in Lahore at China Chowk by Nawaz Sharif Lovers Group Chairperson Uzma Aamir Butt. Masks were distributed, and residents were urged to have their vehicles tested for emissions.
Punjab Police conducted anti-smog operations, registering 28 cases and arresting violators across various districts, including Lahore, in the past 24 hours. Officials said fines totaling Rs915,000 were imposed on 499 individuals, and 44 people received warnings. Violations included 26 cases of crop-residue burning, 227 by smoke-emitting vehicles, and five from brick kilns.
So far this year, 2,548 cases have been registered, with 2,278 arrests and fines exceeding Rs192.3 million imposed on 91,518 individuals, while 13,166 warnings were issued. Violations included 1,652 crop-residue burnings, 54,850 by smoke-emitting vehicles, 1,407 industrial breaches, and 2,117 from brick kilns.
Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar directed officers to accelerate anti-smog enforcement across highways, industrial zones, agricultural lands, and other locations, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy to ensure strict action against violators.
