LAHORE/MULTAN, Nov 14: Air quality across Punjab plunged to dangerous levels on Thursday, with Multan, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Lahore among the world’s most polluted cities as concentrations of PM2.5 soared far beyond the hazardous threshold.
According to data from IQAir, Multan recorded an unprecedented Air Quality Index (AQI) of 774, placing it firmly in the “hazardous” category. Gujranwala followed with 722, Faisalabad 507, Lahore 451, and Sialkot 366. Several other cities also crossed AQI 300, triggering widespread health advisories from experts and authorities.
In Lahore, multiple monitoring stations registered hazardous air by 8pm, including Forest Department Ravi Road at 354, Fauji Fertilizer Pakistan at 332, and CERP Office at 310. Residents were advised to avoid outdoor activity, keep windows shut, wear masks and use indoor air purifiers where possible.
Meteorologists attributed the smog’s persistence to stagnant atmospheric conditions. The Met Office reported Lahore’s maximum temperature at 26°C and minimum at 12°C, with humidity at 80 per cent and light winds blowing at only 3 km/h — factors that trap pollutants in the lower atmosphere.
Dry weather conditions to persist across Punjab. https://t.co/SwvUTVzX3I
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) November 14, 2025
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted dry weather across most of Punjab, with cold and dry conditions expected in Kashmir, Murree and Galliyat. Smog formation is likely to continue in several plain districts.
As Lahore struggles with deteriorating air quality, the provincial government accelerated its green initiatives. The Forest Department planted 10,000 trees in Karol Forest under a community partnership model, converting 14 acres of barren land into green cover. An environmentally conscious citizen from Pakpattan donated the saplings and was awarded the title of Green Ambassador by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
In addition, the Punjab Housing Department announced progress on a citywide programme to deepen parks and rehabilitate green belts. Surveys in more than 50 parks and 15 green belts have been completed, with work underway in multiple localities including Gunj Bakhsh Town, Ravi Town and Gulberg Town. Groundwater recharge wells have already been completed at Liberty Chowk, Maratab Ali Road and H Block in Gulberg, with similar work ongoing in Johar Town.
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Officials say these measures form part of long-term efforts to improve urban resilience and mitigate smog, though experts caution that immediate emission reductions remain critical.
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