Air pollution
From stubble burning to toxic smog, Pakistan's air pollution crisis threatens its future; the only way it can rise above the haze is through strategic action, with bold policy changes and climate diplomacy at the forefront.
Published 05 Oct, 2025 03:24pm
‘The Air We Breathe’ will be held at the Expo Centre in Lahore on October 11, under the umbrella of Breathe Pakistan.
Updated 26 Sep, 2025 11:53am
Wildfires led to above-average PM 2.5 levels in Canada, Siberia and central Africa last year, the WMO says.
Published 06 Sep, 2025 04:53am
World Bank calls for indigenous solutions to reform domestic, industrial sectors
Updated 30 Mar, 2025 09:28am
Joint action by India and Pakistan to reduce air pollution can lead to health benefits on both sides.
Updated 08 Feb, 2025 09:03am
Himal Nepal Editor says it is positive that the issue is being discussed from Delhi to Lahore.
Updated 11 Mar, 2025 12:00pm
This season has made it abundantly clear that smog will continue to get worse.
Updated 19 Jan, 2025 10:26am
From stubble burning to toxic smog, Pakistan's air pollution crisis threatens its future; the only way it can rise above the haze is through strategic action, with bold policy changes and climate diplomacy at the forefront.
Updated 05 Oct, 2025 03:25pm
Maximum AQI was recorded at 665 at 2pm; authorities confiscate 1,541kg of plastic bags to ensure compliance with environment regulations.
Updated 04 Jan, 2025 10:30am
As air pollution levels rise, women face a double burden — fighting for clean air and grappling with the impact on their reproductive health.
Updated 30 Sep, 2025 10:39am
Pollution is expected to worsen on Tuesday to "severe" levels above an AQI reading of 400.
Published 16 Dec, 2024 11:07pm
Smog has transformed from an occasional phenomenon to a recurring nightmare for Pakistan’s major cities.
Published 07 Dec, 2024 07:41am
Lancet study on "landscape fires” says over 90pc of deaths in low and middle-income countries.
Published 29 Nov, 2024 07:37am
Air quality reaches alarming levels following govt's decision to reopen schools, markets.
Updated 23 Nov, 2024 11:44am
Lahore's deadly air could soon rival London's Great Smog — unless Pakistan follows the hard-earned lessons of the past.
Updated 12 Dec, 2024 01:50am
The problem of pollution has not emerged suddenly, nor can it be resolved quickly.
Updated 21 Nov, 2024 09:23am
As climate change wreaked havoc and government action stalled, the people turned to the judiciary, seeking urgent intervention through landmark environmental cases.
Updated 19 Nov, 2024 11:29am
Schools closed for another 10 days across province; govt holds "successful" artificial rain trial in Jhelum, Gujar Khan.
Updated 16 Nov, 2024 08:36am
PDWP approves development schemes including Rs5.38bn smog initiative; PHD names central committee room.
Updated 16 Nov, 2024 11:23am
Health dept data shows 1.93m reported cases of respiratory disease in 30 days; complaints of asthma, conjunctivitis, heart disease also surge.
Updated 15 Nov, 2024 10:07am
With air quality hitting “hazardous” highs, Lahore is forced into survival mode — schools shut, hospitals overflow, and households resort to pricey air purifiers to keep the smog at bay.
Updated 14 Nov, 2024 11:50am
Acknowledges current govt performing better than predecessors, but more work still needed.
Published 13 Nov, 2024 07:15am
Group recommends shutting down brick kilns, non-compliant industrues and curtailing movement of heavy vehicles.
Published 11 Nov, 2024 11:02pm
Young children "most affected" by air pollution as they've smaller lungs and lack immunities, says Unicef official.
Updated 11 Nov, 2024 04:34pm
WHO says air pollution can trigger strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Some 900 people were admitted to hospitals in Lahore in a day last week.
Updated 11 Nov, 2024 05:11pm
Despite having ample data and understanding of pollution patterns, Punjab has failed to take policy decisions to combat the year-round smog problem.
Published 10 Nov, 2024 07:08am
Lahore AQI shoots to 1,165; heavy traffic barred from city until Jan 2025; masks now mandatory; half of govt, private office staff to WFH.
Updated 07 Nov, 2024 08:02am
Lahore was once known for its gardens. Now, its claim to fame is topping the pollution charts.
Updated 04 Nov, 2024 10:41am
Bans burning various materials, and vehicles, industries working without proper protocols.
Published 31 Oct, 2024 01:10pm
Eleven areas identified as smog hotspots; restrictions imposed on barbecues, marriage halls, commercial generators.
Updated 31 Oct, 2024 08:26am
