LAHORE: Air pollution levels in Punjab have once again reached dangerous levels, placing Lahore as the second most polluted city in the world.
According to international organization IQAir, Lahore’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 318, with some areas seeing levels as high as 647 to 855. The Forest Department and Ravi Road areas were identified as the most polluted zones in the city.
Punjab’s Air Quality Monitoring data indicates that Lahore’s AQI currently stands at 397, ranking it second in the province in terms of air pollution. It is important to note that the provincial monitoring system does not register readings above 500, suggesting that the actual pollution levels could be even higher.
Areas within Lahore such as Shahdara, Kahna, Punjab University, DHA Phase 6, Wagha Border, Barki Road, and Safari Park have recorded AQI readings up to 500, placing them in the most hazardous zones.
Across Punjab, Bahawalpur is currently the most polluted city with an AQI of 620, followed by Multan at 427, Faisalabad at 418, and Gujranwala at 379, all classified within the dangerous range.
The Punjab Environment Protection Department reported in its October 2025 report that government-led and public initiatives to combat smog have resulted in slight overall improvements. During October, EPA teams completed 28,675 inspections, targeting pollution-emitting factories and brick kilns.
The department issued 707 notices, carried out 381 demolitions, sealed 521 units, filed 567 FIRs, and imposed fines totaling 58.8 million rupees on units violating environmental regulations.
As part of the Plastic-Free Punjab campaign, 28.8 tons of plastic bags were seized, while 32 mist sprinkling systems and 79 water recycling plants were installed in industrial areas.
