Lahore has once again topped the global pollution charts, recording an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 298 on Monday, making it the most polluted city in the world. The Punjab government has responded with emergency measures, including the deployment of anti-smog guns across key areas of the provincial capital, in an effort to combat deteriorating air quality during the Diwali season.
Authorities have positioned anti-smog guns at Thokar Niaz Beg and other high-risk zones to reduce airborne pollutants drifting from neighboring Indian cities. According to the Punjab Smog Monitoring Center, winds moving at a speed of five to seven kilometers per hour are carrying polluted air from Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Haryana, affecting Lahore and other major cities such as Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Rahim Yar Khan, and Multan.
The situation is expected to worsen during early morning and late-night hours when pollution levels peak due to temperature inversion and stagnant wind patterns. In response, teams from WASA, LDA, and other municipal departments have begun sprinkling water on roads and preventing crop residue burning, which are among the primary causes of smog formation in the region.
Health experts have raised serious concerns about the impact of rising pollution on public health. Medical professionals are urging asthma patients, children, and the elderly to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary exposure. Others are advised to wear protective masks when venturing outdoors.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of public cooperation, stating that effective control of smog requires collective action from citizens. She encouraged residents to minimize vehicle use, reduce waste burning, and adopt eco-friendly practices to support government efforts in curbing pollution.
Meanwhile, in New Delhi, which ranks second among the world’s most polluted cities, a combination of light fog and sunshine was forecasted. However, Lahore’s deteriorating air quality remains a serious environmental concern, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions and cross-border coordination to address the region’s recurring smog crisis.