Punjab warns smog may worsen as Lahore's PM2.5 stays far above WHO limit
Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has warned that smog could intensify in the province over the next few days. A PAQI report put Lahore's average PM2.5 at 214 micrograms per cubic metre between 2 and 8 November.
- Maryam Aurangzeb warned of worsening smog in Punjab in the coming days
- Lahore's average PM2.5 was 214 µg/m³ from 2 to 8 November, 14.3 times the WHO guideline
- Multan recorded the highest average among the cities reviewed, at 241 µg/m³
- Smog guns near the eastern corridor with India have been stepped up
Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has said smog is feared to become more intense in the province over the next few days. Daily Jang reported that she said fine particles from fireworks across the border could add to air pollution.
Express News reported that air pollution in Punjab, including Lahore, rose after Diwali fireworks and polluted winds from Indian Punjab. It said the Punjab government had on the previous day expressed concern that polluted air from India would reach Lahore and increase smog.
According to a report by PAQI cited by Express News, Multan had the highest average PM2.5 among the cities reviewed between 2 and 8 November 2026, at 241 micrograms per cubic metre. Lahore averaged 214 micrograms per cubic metre, which is 14.3 times the World Health Organization guideline.
Islamabad averaged 65 micrograms per cubic metre, 4.4 times the limit. Karachi averaged 49 micrograms per cubic metre, 3.3 times the guideline.
The report said that by 11 November Lahore's PM2.5 level was expected to fall to 179 and Multan's to 123. Karachi's was expected to rise to 65, and Islamabad's to stand at 71.
Daily Jang reported that operations of smog guns near the eastern corridor adjoining India have been intensified. The public was urged not to burn crop residue, particularly rice stubble, and officials were told to ensure the ban on openly burning rubbish, plastic and other waste is enforced.
Officials were also told that controlling vehicle smoke and harmful emissions is necessary to reduce smog, and that vehicle fitness and emission standards must be strictly followed.
Why it matters
Residents of Lahore and other Punjab cities are exposed to air far above the WHO guideline, according to the PAQI report. Lahore's average was 14.3 times the guideline and Multan's was the highest of the cities reviewed. The Punjab government is asking farmers and households not to burn stubble or waste, and vehicle owners are expected to meet fitness and emission standards.
