Lahore’s air quality has shown a significant improvement under the environment friendly initiatives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, despite below average rainfall and dry weather conditions during the current season.
According to an analytical report, Lahore recorded consistent improvement in its Air Quality Index AQI in 2026 compared to 2025. The report notes that from October 2025 to Jan 10, 2026, the city’s overall AQI improved by 58 points, reflecting a positive shift in environmental trends.
Out of 102 days during the 2025 to 26 period, air quality remained better on 60 days. Overall, a 20 per cent improvement in air quality was recorded. The report highlights month wise progress, with AQI improving by eight points in October, 192 points in November and 13 points in December. In January, during the first 10 days alone, AQI showed an improvement of 28 points compared to the same period last year.
In October 2025, the average AQI stood at 205, compared to 213 in October 2024, with 16 days classified as having better air quality. November 2025 saw a major improvement, with the average AQI dropping to 261 from 453 in November 2024, a reduction of 192 points, and 23 days recorded as better air quality days. In December 2025, the average AQI was 247 compared to 235 last year, while 14 days still fell in the better air quality category.
During the initial 10 days of January 2026, the average AQI was recorded at 192, down from 220 during the same period last year. Seven out of nine days showed improved air quality, with an overall improvement of 33 points.
The report attributes the improvement to government measures taken on the directives of the Chief Minister Punjab, including indiscriminate action against smoke emitting vehicles, substandard fuel and industrial emissions. It states that data driven policymaking, enhanced field monitoring and an effective penalty system have contributed to reducing air pollution.
Further measures included strict enforcement of environmental laws, improved inter departmental coordination, deployment of smog squads and the use of modern equipment to ensure timely action at pollution hotspots.
Traffic control initiatives and industrial regulation also played a key role in curbing the spread of smog.The report adds that during the 2025 smog season, there was a noticeable reduction in days falling under the hazardous category. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the protection of public health remains the top priority of the Chief Minister Punjab. She added that reforms and modern monitoring systems have been introduced to ensure the provision of clean air to citizens.