The ongoing smog crisis in Punjab has reached alarming levels, with Lahore once again emerging as the world’s most polluted city for air quality. Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 379, with the Lower Mall area recording a staggering 743. Other cities in Punjab are also grappling with severe air pollution. Gujranwala's AQI reached 280, Multan’s AQI touched 210, Sialkot 184 and Faisalabad 251.

The Punjab government and the environment department have intensified operations, demolishing several industrial units contributing to pollution and sealing factories. Forty-one modern air quality monitoring systems have been activated, drone squads deployed, and smog-free zones established.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that clean air is the right of every citizen and emphasized that the government is committed to eliminating smog permanently through sustainable measures. It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain in Lahore starting tomorrow, which is expected to reduce smog levels.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)