The smog crisis in Punjab continues to worsen, with Lahore engulfed in a dense haze that has turned the city’s air dangerously toxic. Air Quality Index (AQI) readings have soared to alarming levels, posing serious health threats to millions of residents. Lahore’s overall AQI stands at 275, but several neighborhoods report much higher figures, such as Iqbal Town at 517, Sanda Road at 497, and FC College at 466, pushing the air quality into the “hazardous” category.
Meanwhile, other major cities in Punjab are also battling dangerous pollution levels. Faisalabad has recorded an AQI of 410, while Multan stands at 367, signaling widespread air quality deterioration across the province. Environmental experts warn that prolonged exposure to such polluted air can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems, urging citizens to wear protective masks, stay indoors whenever possible, and avoid early morning outdoor activities when smog levels are highest.
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To counter the growing crisis, Punjab authorities have launched a large-scale anti-smog operation aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and industrial pollution. The Transport and Mass Transit Department has intensified its efforts, keeping teams active around the clock to inspect smoke-emitting vehicles and enforce strict penalties. Between November 1 and 8, officials inspected over 4,000 vehicles in Lahore, issuing 877 challans and impounding 288 vehicles that lacked fitness certificates or emitted excessive smoke.
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Furthermore, authorities have taken stern legal action against repeated violators to discourage environmental negligence. As part of the ongoing campaign, 671 goods transport vehicles were fined for overloading, with total penalties amounting to Rs 8 million. Additionally, 255 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered, and 208 drivers have been arrested, reflecting the government’s determination to combat the worsening air pollution crisis.
Despite these measures, the smog shows no signs of clearing, as emissions from vehicles, factories, and crop burning continue to pollute the atmosphere. Experts emphasize that lasting improvement will require consistent enforcement, cleaner energy transitions, and greater public awareness. Until then, Lahore’s residents remain trapped under a toxic sky, forced to endure one of the world’s most polluted environments.