Punjab activates anti-smog measures as air quality worsens after Diwali

11 hours ago

Punjab activates anti-smog measures as air quality worsens after Diwali

Karachi recorded an AQI of 182, falling in the “unhealthy” range and just barely behind Kuwait’s capital at 183.
Punjab activates anti-smog measures as air quality worsens after Diwali

Web Desk

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21 Oct 2025

Air pollution has emerged as a major public health and environmental crisis in Pakistan, with cities like Lahore and Karachi consistently ranking among the most polluted in the world. Recent data shows a sharp spike in AQI levels, especially following Diwali celebrations.

Authorities warn that worsening smog poses serious health risks, prompting urgent anti-smog measures across Punjab.

Over the past few years, air pollution has become one of the most pressing public health and environmental crises in Pakistan. This phenomenon is primarily caused by industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, stubble burning, and atmospheric movement.

Ranked the world’s third most polluted city yesterday, Lahore rose to the second spot today with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 234, categorized as “very unhealthy.” The provincial capital trailed just behind New Delhi, which had a “hazardous” AQI of 489.

Karachi recorded an AQI of 182, falling in the “unhealthy” range and just barely behind Kuwait’s capital at 183. India’s Mumbai came in fifth with an AQI of 169.

IQAir’s Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the concentration of key pollutants in the air, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), coarse particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃). According to the scale, an AQI between 151 and 200 is considered “unhealthy,” 201 to 300 is “very unhealthy,” and any value above 301 is classified as “hazardous.”

As per IQAir data, the AQI levels in Lahore and Karachi were the highest recorded so far this month.

Smog levels in Lahore and other parts of Punjab are expected to worsen due to a mix of local emissions and pollutants drifting in from India, particularly following Diwali celebrations, according to provincial authorities.

To overcome the growing crisis, the Punjab government launched water-sprinkling operations on Sunday night and deployed anti-smog guns in the most affected areas of the city.

In Lahore, these efforts were carried out in several key locations, including Karim Block, Allama Iqbal Town, Multan Road, Ravi Bridge, Shahdara Flyover, GT Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, and Upper Mall.

Officials have also warned that winds from India may further contribute to deteriorating air quality in the coming days due to the ongoing festivities of Diwali.

Air pollution remains a serious health hazard, particularly during winter when smog intensifies and respiratory illnesses surge.

According to Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan, around 256,000 people die annually in Pakistan due to air pollution-related causes. It can also impact neurological health, leading to conditions like dementia and cognitive impairment.

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