Environmental experts are warning that this year’s smog season in Punjab is expected to last longer than in previous years.
Lahore has already been ranked as the world’s most polluted city, arriving two weeks earlier than last year, and several major cities in Punjab, including the provincial capital, are feeling the adverse effects of smog. The air quality in Lahore has particularly deteriorated, with other cities like Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot also affected.
Cities near the Lahore-Islamabad GT Road are experiencing increased air pollution due to heavy traffic, especially during nighttime hours. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Lahore topped the list of the most polluted cities globally on October 12, marking the earliest occurrence this season. Last year, Lahore was first declared the most polluted city during the summer season on October 29.
Dr. Munawar Sabir, an environmentalist, called this trend alarming, noting that October used to be considered a pleasant month welcoming cooler breezes. He lamented that mismanagement and poor policies have led to a situation where breathing has become difficult during what should be a refreshing time of year. He highlighted that Lahore, once known as the city of gardens, has lost many trees to urban development, resulting in the current pollution crisis.
Dr. Sabir pointed out that air quality began deteriorating earlier this year, and the people of Lahore endured some of the worst conditions until March last season. He believes the smog spell will extend this year and emphasized the need for both the government and citizens to prepare for the impending challenges.
Officials from the environment protection department noted that while several areas in Lahore are grappling with smog, AQI readings have not been publicly shared as they were last year to prevent panic. A senior official mentioned that the lack of communication has been a policy decision, but global AQI rankings have now highlighted Lahore’s air pollution issues.
“Smog season has officially started, and air quality in various areas of Lahore, including upscale neighborhoods, has worsened. The situation is similar in other major cities and those along the GT Road,” the official added.
In response to the crisis, Senior Minister Mariyum Aurangzeb has involved various departments, including police, traffic, and environment protection authorities, to tackle smog. A campaign against polluting brick kilns has also been launched across Punjab.
Professor Arshad Mahmood from the University of Gujrat noted that the senior minister’s leadership in preventive measures is a positive development. A crackdown on factories burning tires and efforts to address the burning of rice crop residue are also in progress, which he believes will help mitigate smog in the coming days.
However, Professor Mahmood stressed that every citizen, especially the youth, has a role to play in combating smog. He encouraged individuals to embrace their responsibilities as environmentalists to support government efforts in addressing this pressing issue.
