Severe smog crisis looms over Pakistan as Diwali pollution drifts across border

LAHORE: Air pollution levels across eastern Pakistan have surged sharply following the Diwali festival in neighboring India, as thick smog drifted across the border into Punjab’s major cities, pushing air quality to hazardous levels.

According to data from the Punjab Air Quality Monitoring Network, Lahore recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 318, placing it among the world’s most polluted cities. Dera Ghazi Khan reported the province’s highest pollution level at 450, while Sheikhupura recorded 311, Faisalabad 281, and Gujranwala 268. 

Within Lahore, localized readings were even more alarming, with Kahna at 430, Shahdara at 379, Burki Road at 344, Multan Road at 336, and DHA Phase 6 at 327.

Global monitoring platform IQAir ranked Lahore as the world’s most polluted city on Tuesday, with an AQI of 298, surpassing New Delhi, which recorded 283.

In response to the worsening air quality, the Punjab government has activated anti-smog guns and launched night operations in high-pollution zones, including Thokar. The Environment Protection Department (EPD) reported that polluted air masses from Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Haryana are drifting into Pakistan, affecting Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Multan. Officials warned that pollution levels are expected to peak during the early morning and nighttime hours due to stagnant weather conditions.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb called for public cooperation, urging citizens to follow environmental safety protocols and support government measures to combat the crisis.

The Punjab Smog Monitoring Center has advised citizens, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses, to wear masks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that fine PM2.5 particles have spiked across major cities, posing serious health risks. 

Authorities emphasized strict enforcement against industrial emissions, open burning, vehicular smoke, and smoke-emitting eateries as part of a renewed campaign to improve air quality.

As air quality continues to deteriorate, environmental experts warn that the crisis will not abate without comprehensive and cooperative regional action. For now, Lahore and other parts of Punjab remain shrouded in toxic haze — a grim reminder of South Asia’s worsening smog season.