Lahore: Lahore’s air pollution crisis deepened on Saturday, with the city once again ranked among the most polluted in the world as thick smog covered large parts of Pakistan’s Punjab province. For the fourth consecutive day, visibility dropped sharply across the provincial capital, raising widespread concern over public health risks.
According to air quality data cited by Dawn, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched a “hazardous” 577 in the early hours, placing the metropolis among the world’s worst-performing cities in terms of air quality. Although conditions showed slight improvement later, the city still held the position of the second most polluted globally.
By 8 pm, AQI levels remained dangerously high across monitoring sites, registering 448 in DHA Phase 8, 342 at Gurumangat Road, and 305 near the AC Office Shalimar Complex Wahga.
Other cities across Punjab also struggled under severe smog. Gujranwala reported particulate matter levels reaching 632, while Sialkot recorded an AQI of 462. Experts warned that prolonged exposure to such toxic air could trigger respiratory diseases, eye and throat irritation, and contribute to long-term health complications. Residents were urged to limit outdoor activities, wear masks and avoid unnecessary exposure.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast dry conditions across most districts and cautioned that smog might worsen in low-lying regions in the coming days.
As the smog thickened, a local group, Nawaz Sharif Lovers, launched an awareness campaign at China Chowk. Volunteers distributed protective masks and encouraged citizens to get vehicle emissions checked and avoid stepping out without proper face coverings.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police intensified its crackdown on smog-related violations across the province. Over the past 24 hours, authorities registered 28 cases, arresting several violators and imposing fines totalling PKR 915,000. Offences included crop-residue burning, smoke-emitting vehicles, and non-compliant brick kilns.
A police spokesperson said that since the beginning of the year, 2,548 cases have been registered and 2,278 people arrested under the anti-smog enforcement drive. Penalties exceeding PKR 192.3 million have been issued to 91,518 individuals for violations ranging from crop burning and vehicular emissions to industrial and brick kiln-related breaches. An additional 13,166 people received warnings.
Punjab’s Inspector General of Police has directed field officers to strengthen monitoring along highways, agricultural belts, industrial areas and other hotspots, stressing a strict zero-tolerance approach toward smog-related offences.
