Severe Smog and Respiratory Illness Surge Across Punjab Province
Severe smog has engulfed major cities across Pakistan’s Punjab province, exposing residents to hazardous air conditions and triggering a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses, ANI News reported. In Rawalpindi, 2,961 patients sought treatment for smog-related ailments at outpatient departments and emergency wards across three allied hospitals within a 48-hour period, according to The Express Tribune. Medical facilities saw an influx of elderly men and women suffering from persistent coughing, throat infections, eye irritation, colds, and worsening asthma.
Air quality readings across the region reached alarming levels. Multan recorded an exceptionally dangerous Air Quality Index (AQI) of 719, while Lahore reached 530. Other industrial centers also faced severe pollution, with Gujranwala registering levels between 600 and 660, Jhang reaching 678, Faisalabad standing at 371, Rawalpindi at 179, and Islamabad at 187. Even tourist destinations were affected, as Murree crossed an AQI of 123.
Industrial Emissions and Crop Burning Drive the Crisis
The Environmental Protection Department identified multiple primary contributors to the toxic haze, pointing to brick kilns, stone crushers, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and crop-residue burning. Investigators also noted the extraction of black oil through the burning of discarded tires as a major source of toxic smoke.
A report released on November 2 by the environmental monitoring project ‘Hamari Hawa’, prepared by founder Hammad Tariq and cited by Dawn, indicated that Lahore’s fine particulate matter pollution remained above prescribed standards for the previous 12 months. The analysis noted that between 37 and 63 percent of crop-associated satellite detections within 100 kilometers of Lahore occurred after November 1 across seven seasons from 2019 to 2025, coinciding with a progressively shallower atmospheric mixing layer.
Meanwhile, The Nation reported that Lahore ranked as the world’s third most polluted city on Friday with an AQI of 215, trailing India’s Kolkata at 242. The report highlighted that other cities, including Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan, also suffered from very unhealthy air quality.
Provincial authorities have attempted enforcement actions, but officials stated that operations against smoke-emitting vehicles, scrap burning, and illegal industrial practices have fallen short. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir ordered the registration of FIRs and heavy fines against violators. The Regional Transport Authority impounded 49 smoke-emitting vehicles and levied Rs600,000 in fines, while environmental officials sealed 21 brick kilns and five stone-crushing plants.
Punjab Government Orders Brick Kilns to Close
The Punjab provincial government has ordered brick kilns across the province to remain completely closed from November 15 to December 15. Health authorities advised residents, particularly children and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, to wear protective masks outdoors, keep doors and windows shut during morning and evening hours, and consult medical professionals before using eye drops.
With drone-based smoke monitoring systems proving unsuccessful and enforcement measures facing limitations, relevant departments are looking toward weather patterns for relief. The Agriculture Department will arrange Salat-i-Istisqa, traditional prayers for rain, next Friday.
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