Dense fog, low winds push Lahore’s AQI to hazardous levels

Citizens, especially children, elderly, patients, have been advised to limit outdoor activities

Dense fog, low temperatures, and light winds caused toxic pollutants to remain trapped near ground level across Lahore on Wednesday, triggering a sharp rise in the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI).

Officials forecast that between midnight and 1pm, the AQI may fluctuate between 340 and 450, falling under the “hazardous” category. A slight improvement is expected later in the day, with wind speeds increasing to 7–9 km/h. From 2pm to 5pm, the AQI is likely to drop to 200–275, identified as the safest period for outdoor activity.

Acting on directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, authorities have intensified anti-smog measures using AI-based monitoring, drone surveillance, and round-the-clock industrial inspections to detect violations swiftly.

Read: Pakistan bets on AI to tackle smog

Joint teams from the Safe City Authority and the Environment Department have stepped up crackdowns on substandard fuel, smoke-emitting vehicles, and waste burning, with dozens of challans and field inspections carried out daily. Officials said that modern technology and scientific planning have accelerated improvements, but stressed that public cooperation remains essential.

Authorities have enforced a strict zero-tolerance policy against waste and tyre burning, as well as illegal industrial emissions, warning that violators will face no leniency.

Citizens, especially children, the elderly, and patients, have been advised to limit outdoor activities during morning and night hours. The government also recommended wearing masks, keeping windows closed, and using wet mopping to reduce indoor pollution.

All departments remain on high alert, and the public has been urged to report smoke-related violations by calling 1373. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stressed that public cooperation is “absolutely essential” for controlling smog in the city.