Why Lahore’s Air Turns Hazardous Every Winter

Dr Saeed Ahmad Ali

Lahore: A thick blanket of smog once again engulfed Lahore, reducing visibility across the city and covering its landmarks and high-rise buildings in a grey haze. Despite poor air quality, thousands of residents continued their daily routines, with motorcyclists and commuters navigating through polluted air carrying the strong smell of diesel, smoke and burning waste.
The worsening air quality has turned smog into one of Pakistan’s most serious environmental and public health challenges. According to the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution, air pollution-related issues are estimated to cause around 128,000 deaths annually in Pakistan, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Lahore’s Air Quality Reaches Dangerous Levels
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore continued to show alarming conditions, with readings recorded between 192 and 200 during early morning hours, according to the Meteorological Department.
AQI levels between 201 and 300 are considered highly harmful, while readings above 300 fall into the category of extremely hazardous air quality.
Environmental experts say Lahore’s air quality has significantly deteriorated over the past two decades, with rapid urban expansion, loss of green spaces, industrial growth and increasing traffic contributing to the crisis.
Around 70 percent of tree cover has reportedly been lost during this period due to construction of housing schemes, development projects, residential expansion and industrial activities.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to smog can have serious consequences, especially for vulnerable groups.
Services Hospital physician Dr Khalid said people suffering from heart diseases, coronary artery disease and lung conditions face greater risks from polluted air. Pregnant women, outdoor workers, elderly citizens, children under 14, and athletes involved in outdoor activities are also among those most vulnerable to the harmful effects of smog.
Punjab Declares Smog Emergency
The Punjab government has declared a month-long smog emergency in an attempt to control rising pollution levels across the province.
The decision came after directions from the Lahore High Court, which ordered authorities to take immediate steps to address the hazardous air situation. Under the emergency measures, school students have been instructed to wear masks.
What Is Causing Lahore’s Smog?
Environmental experts identify multiple sources behind Lahore’s worsening air quality.
Small industries and factories burning illegal fuels such as tires, plastic waste and other harmful materials are considered major contributors. Farmers burning crop residue in areas surrounding Lahore, along with brick kilns operating without modern zigzag technology, are also adding to pollution levels.
A report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) noted that public transport vehicles continue to rely heavily on highly polluting sulphur-rich fuels, contributing significantly to air pollution in Lahore and surrounding areas.
According to Environmental Protection Department (EPD) Director Naseem-ur-Rehman Shah, inspections found 62 factories contributing to smog by using hazardous materials including plastic waste, tires, rubber and old clothes as fuel.
The Special Branch police has also recommended action against officials responsible for monitoring such industrial units.
Winter Weather Making Pollution Worse
Environmentalists explain that winter conditions intensify Lahore’s smog problem.
Environmental expert Kashif Salik said reduced wind speed, changing wind patterns and lower temperatures during winter trap pollutants closer to the ground. Toxic particles, carbon emissions and smoke accumulate in the atmosphere, creating a thick layer of pollution over major cities.
Environmental expert Mahmood Khalid Qamar said burning crop residue, industrial waste, low-quality coal, garbage, black oil and tires are among the major sources worsening the city’s air pollution.
Crackdown on Smoke-Emitting Vehicles
Authorities have also intensified action against vehicles producing excessive smoke.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (retd) Mustansar Feroze warned transport operators to ensure proper maintenance of vehicles or face penalties.
Following Lahore High Court directions, smoke-emitting vehicles are being fined Rs2,000. During the current year, traffic authorities have issued fine tickets to 48,331 vehicles for violating emission standards.
The CTO said an awareness campaign would also be launched in collaboration with the bus owners’ union to encourage measures against smog and environmental pollution.
As Lahore enters another polluted winter season, experts warn that tackling smog requires coordinated action against industrial emissions, vehicle pollution, crop burning and the loss of natural green spaces. The feature is released by APP and all information and facts provided are the sole responsibility of that organization.