Air pollution and smog levels across Punjab continue to worsen, with Faisalabad overtaking Lahore as the most polluted city, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 554. Gujranwala and Multan followed, while Lahore’s AQI reached 471 this morning.

According to the global air quality monitoring organisation, IQAir reports that Gujranwala recorded an AQI o 546, Multan 478, Lahore 471, and Bahawalpur 389. Government figures show AQI levels at 500 in D.G. Khan, Gujranwala, and Kasur; 447 in Lahore; 408 in Faisalabad; and 352 in Multan.

Air quality in several parts of Lahore has reached extremely hazardous levels, with readings of 980 at the Forest Department Office on Ravi Road, 790 at G3 Engineering Council, and 759 in DHA Phase 8. Meanwhile, the Punjab Air Quality Index recorded 500 at Burki Road and Egerton Road, 394 at Wagah Border, and 384 at Safari Park.

According to the Smog Monitoring and Forecasting System, wind in Punjab is blowing from east to west, bringing polluted air from Indian regions including Haryana, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Jalandhar into Pakistan. These winds are affecting air quality in Lahore, Faisalabad, Kasur, and Gujranwala.

Read: Lahore tops Global Pollution Index; AQI reaches 985 in some areas

Experts warn that the accumulation of fine particulate matter is worsening pollution levels, with AQI expected to remain between 330 and 370 today. The Environment Department says air quality in Lahore will remain unhealthy, particularly in the early morning, evening, and late-night hours, with slight improvement between 1 pm and 5 pm. The public, especially children, the elderly, and patients, are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.

Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, anti-smog measures have been accelerated. Twelve provincial departments are implementing a joint action plan, enforcing zero tolerance for crop residue burning. Over 10,000 notices have been issued, while more than 190 factories and brick kilns have been inspected, many sealed, and heavy fines imposed.

Read more: Lahore tops global pollution rankings as AQI hits ‘hazardous’ 403

She added that only environment-friendly zigzag technology brick kilns are permitted to operate. Over 1,200 monitoring teams are conducting on-site inspections and fines, while dust control SOPs at construction sites are being strictly enforced. The Punjab government, she said, is committed to protecting public health, eliminating smog causes, and restoring clean air in the province.