LAHORE: Punjab’s air quality continued to deteriorate on Saturday with its capital being ranked as the most polluted city of the world for the fourth consecutive day with thick smog blanketing major areas, reducing visibility and posing serious health risks for residents.

According to the data from IQAir, an air quality monitoring platform, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to a staggering ‘hazardous’ level of 577 in the early hours of the day, once again ranking it as one of the most polluted cities in the world. The provincial capital was ranked second after improvement in its air quality on the global pollution index in the evening.

The AQI of other stations in Lahore at 8pm were recorded at 448 at Phase 8 DHA, 342 at Gurumangat Road and AC Office Shalimar Complex Wahga at 305.

Other major cities in Punjab also reported hazardous conditions. In Gujranwala, particulate matter levels soared to 632, far exceeding safe limits. Similarly, Sialkot recorded an AQI of 462, indicating extremely poor air quality and prompting renewed concerns over public health.

Lahore retains the most polluted city title for fourth consecutive day

As smog casts a pall over the cities turning the sun into a faint, orange disc, environmental experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels can lead to respiratory illnesses, eye and throat irritation, and long-term health complications. Authorities continued to urge residents to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, and take precautionary measures as smog conditions persist across the region.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted dry weather in most districts of Punjab, however, cold and dry weather, with very cold during the mornings and nights, is likely in Kashmir, Murree and Galliyat. It also warned that smog could further develop over a few plain areas of Punjab.

Earlier, a smog awareness campaign was launched in Lahore and masks were distributed among citizens at China Chowk. The campaign was launched by Nawaz Sharif Lovers group Chairperson Uzma Aamir Butt. The participants also appealed to the citizens to conduct emission tests of their vehicles and not come out of their houses without wearing masks.

Meanwhile, Punjab police carried out an anti-smog operation and registered 28 cases against violators and arrested them from various districts, including Lahore, during the last 24 hours.

Punjab Police spokesperson said that during the operations, fines amounting to Rs915,000 were imposed on 499 individuals, and 44 people were issued warnings. A total of 26 violations of crop residue burning, 227 violations by smoke-emitting vehicles, and five violations related to brick kilns were reported.

The spokesperson further said that during the current year, a total of 2,548 cases were registered and 2,278 violators were arrested across various districts as a result of the anti-smog crackdown. During this period, fines amounting to more than Rs192.3 million were imposed on 91,518 individuals, while 13,166 people were issued warnings. Reported violations included 1,652 cases of crop-residue burning, 54,850 violations by smoke-emitting vehicles, 1,407 industrial violations, and 2,117 brick kiln violations.

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar has directed the concerned officers to further accelerate the anti-smog crackdown on highways, in industrial areas, agricultural lands, and other locations. He made it clear that under the zero-tolerance policy, no delay should be made in taking strict action against those who violate the smog SOPs.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2025