Authorities urge residents to limit outdoor movement as air quality hits record lows across Punjab.
LAHORE (Saturday, November 1, 2025): Punjab awoke to an asphyxiating haze on Saturday morning, as air quality levels plunged to alarming depths, making several of its cities among the most polluted in the world.
According to data released by the International Environmental Monitoring Agency IQAir, the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit the maximum reading of 500 in Dera Ghazi Khan and Kasur around 9am surpassing even Lahore, long regarded as Pakistan’s pollution epicentre.
Lahore, D.G. Khan, Kasur Among Worst-Hit
IQAir Punjab reported that Lahore recorded an AQI of 385, Sheikhupura 313, and Gujranwala 243 during early hours. By mid-day, the global feed showed a dangerous escalation 442 in Gujranwala, 400 in Lahore, and 337 in Faisalabad, confirming Punjab’s deepening smog crisis.
Within Lahore, the disparity across neighbourhoods was stark. Data indicated AQI readings of 1018 near the Civil Secretariat, 997 near Wildlife Parks, and 820 around the Forest Department, placing these zones in the “hazardous” category. Official readings from the Environment Protection Department (EPD) were only slightly lower, citing 500 along Shahdara, Multan Road, and GT Road, and 396 on Burki Road.
Experts Blame Winds, Temperature Drop, and Lack of Rain
Environmental analysts say the sudden spike in smog is due to a mix of meteorological and cross-border factors.
Polluted easterly winds drifting from India, low temperatures, stagnant air movement (1–4 km/h), and absence of rain have combined to trap pollutants near the ground, creating a toxic dome over Punjab’s skies.
The EPD predicted a slight improvement later in the afternoon (between 1pm and 5pm) as wind speeds were expected to increase marginally.
‘We’re Entering Peak Smog Season With 2024-Level Pollution’
Environmental expert Maryam Shah, a member of the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, warned that the province is heading into November, traditionally the worst month for smog with dangerously high baseline pollution.
“The air was relatively cleaner early this year,” Shah said, “but October’s PM2.5 levels are now mirroring those of October 2024, right before last year’s severe smog episode.”
Experts fear that without strong policy enforcement, Punjab may face another prolonged and health-damaging smog wave this season.
Government Launches Province-Wide Anti-Smog Operation
In response, the Punjab government, under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has launched an intensive anti-smog campaign involving all relevant departments.
Key measures include:
- Traffic regulation drives targeting smoke-emitting vehicles
- Water sprinkling on roads to suppress dust particles
- Industrial emission inspections and shutdown warnings for violators
- Round-the-clock PM2.5 and PM10 monitoring through upgraded digital sensors
Officials say the campaign is being closely monitored to ensure “maximum coordination and immediate corrective action” in high-risk zones.
Authorities Issue Health Advisory
The Environment Protection Department (EPD) and Health Department have advised residents to:
- Avoid unnecessary outdoor travel
- Wear N95 or KN95 protective masks
- Keep windows closed and use air purifiers indoors
- Stay hydrated and seek medical attention in case of breathing difficulty
Doctors have also cautioned vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and asthma patients to remain indoors as much as possible.