Fireworks celebrations during Diwali in India, combined with polluted winds blowing from Indian Punjab, are reportedly contributing to worsening air quality in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Several cities have been engulfed by severe smog, while the latest air pollution readings have placed Lahore at the top of the world’s most polluted cities.
According to the latest air quality data, Lahore recorded an average smog level of 303, with pollution reaching hazardous levels in several parts of the city.
Gulberg II recorded an alarming particulate matter reading of 639, while the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 475 on Syed Maratib Ali Road and 470 in Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate.
Similarly, pollution levels reached 370 on Barki Road and 342 in Allama Iqbal Town, exposing residents to serious environmental and health risks.
Weather conditions in Lahore are also contributing to the persistence of smog. According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature is expected to remain around 18 degrees Celsius, while the maximum could reach 29 degrees Celsius.
Wind speed has been recorded at just 2 kilometres per hour, while humidity has reached 70 per cent. These conditions are limiting the dispersal of polluted air and allowing smog to persist over the city.
Multan and Bahawalpur Also Record Dangerous Pollution Levels
The air pollution situation is not limited to Lahore. Other major cities across Punjab are also experiencing alarming conditions.
Multan recorded a pollution reading of 971, while Bahawalpur reached 796 in particulate matter measurements.
These figures highlight the seriousness of the environmental situation in southern Punjab, where residents are also facing increased exposure to polluted air.
Government Launches Crackdown on Industrial Units and Brick Kilns
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said authorities are continuing enforcement operations against all local sources of pollution, with relevant government departments actively working in the field.
According to her, smog guns are being deployed in areas with high AQI readings, while water is being sprayed to help reduce airborne pollution.
She further revealed that 28 industrial units had been inspected across the province. Following violations, three industrial units and 11 brick kilns were sealed.
Air Pollution Creates a Major Environmental Challenge for Punjab
Punjab’s worsening air pollution is not simply a seasonal weather problem. It is a complex environmental crisis linked to cross-border pollution, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, brick kilns and other local sources.
Diwali fireworks in India and polluted winds crossing the border may further aggravate the situation. However, determining the exact contribution of each source requires proper monitoring and scientific assessment.
Government action against industrial units and brick kilns is important, but the latest pollution figures suggest that temporary enforcement measures alone will not be enough to address the crisis.
Continuous air quality monitoring, reducing vehicle emissions, stricter controls on industrial pollution and greater environmental cooperation across the border have become increasingly important.
If wind speeds remain low and pollution emissions continue, residents across Punjab could face several more days of severe smog.
