Smog in Punjab has once again triggered serious environmental and health concerns as thick pollution covered major cities on Sunday. Lahore remained one of the most polluted cities globally, recording an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 346. Karachi also faced hazardous conditions with an AQI of 206, placing it among the top polluted cities worldwide.
Meanwhile in Pakistan, Faisalabad topped the list with a dangerous AQI of 401, followed by Gujranwala at 380 and Multan reaching 263. The situation worsens every winter as cooling temperatures trap pollutants from vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, and crop residue burning.
Last year, the province experienced similar conditions where air pollution in Lahore spiked to over 80 times the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization. Authorities had to temporarily close schools and restrict business hours to protect citizens.
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Experts warn that without strict emission control and sustained government action, smog will continue to endanger public health, increasing respiratory and eye-related illnesses across urban areas in Punjab.
