Lahore’s air quality showed an unexpected improvement on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 159, though it still remained classified as “unhealthy” by international standards.
According to data from IQAir, the concentration of PM2.5 was found to be 13.4 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual guideline for particulate matter.
A senior official from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) attributed the improvement to several key factors, marking a significant achievement in controlling local pollution. The official explained that polluted air from neighboring India had not entered the city, thanks to winds blowing at 8 km/h from the northwest to the southeast. However, the major contributor to the drop in pollution levels was the successful implementation of the EPA’s strict action plan.
The official credited 24/7 monitoring by the EPA, along with continuous industrial inspections and search operations, for the significant reduction in pollution. Over 800 smoke-emitting vehicles were removed from the roads, and fines were substantially increased. Additionally, strict checks were conducted on brick kilns, factories, and commercial units, with many units sealed for non-compliance.
The government also maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards the open burning of crop residue and waste in public spaces. Complementing these efforts were mechanical road washing, water sprinkling, and the implementation of a robust traffic management plan, all of which played a positive role in improving the city’s environmental conditions.
Despite these efforts, the AQI remains a concern, and officials continue to work towards further reducing pollution levels to improve public health and safety.
Air quality in Punjab better than last year: report
The Smog Forecasting Center has released a detailed comparison of the first 14 days of November 2024 and 2025 regarding air quality improvement and reduction in smog across Punjab. According to the report, the overall situation this year has been significantly better than the previous year.
The report states that the analysis of satellite images for all districts of Punjab from November 1 to November 14 shows clear evidence of continuous improvement in air quality. Compared to previous years, a considerable reduction has been recorded in pollution indicators this time, reflecting the impact of government policies, ground-level actions, and effective use of modern technology.
According to the Smog Forecasting Center, the satellite imagery serves as strong proof of the success of on-ground efforts taken to improve air quality. While smog levels were higher during the same 14-day period last year, a notable decline has been observed this year.
The center highlighted that air quality improvement is a continuous process, with gradual progress observed every year. Coordinated actions by multiple departments, reforms in the industrial and agricultural sectors, and strict enforcement of environmental laws are expected to yield even better results in the coming years.
The report also termed the significant reduction in emissions from brick kilns as a major achievement. The effective implementation of zig-zag technology has led to a remarkable decrease in air pollution compared to last year.
Similarly, the installation of modern sensors, monitoring stations, and advanced machinery has made the recording and monitoring of environmental conditions more efficient than ever. The report further notes that the lack of modern equipment in the past made accurate data collection challenging.
Adoption of international-standard methods to check emissions from vehicles and industries has also accelerated the process of air quality improvement. However, the Smog Forecasting Center emphasized that expecting 100 percent results within a few months against climatic challenges is unrealistic, as this is a long-term and continuous effort.
The report acknowledges SUPARCO’s findings showing a 65 percent reduction in crop-residue burning, calling it an extremely encouraging development. This success demonstrates that government initiatives, community participation, and technological interventions are collectively helping to gradually control the smog issue.
The Smog Forecasting Center expressed hope that, with sustained efforts, air quality will continue to improve in the coming years, and environment-friendly actions will lead Punjab toward becoming a healthier region.
Dry and cold weather persisted in Lahore on Sunday, and similar conditions are expected to continue on Monday. The Met officials said continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country. They predicted that dry conditions would dominate across most regions, while hilly areas would remain cold, with very cold temperatures during morning and night. Smog, along with shallow fog in patches during morning and night, may develop over a few plain areas of Punjab.