Punjab chokes as smog season begins

Pakistan’s winter smog season has begun, with worsening air pollution across Punjab and the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi raising concerns over public health and the effectiveness of anti-smog measures.

According to reports, the smog season runs from October 15 to January 15. Authorities in Rawalpindi Division plan to monitor smoke emissions and pollution through drones and CCTV cameras.  

Moreover, it was reported AQI readings of 251 in Lahore, 213 in Gujranwala, 176 in Rawalpindi, 155 in Faisalabad and 131 in Islamabad. 

These figures are time-specific; the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency’s official dashboard recorded Lahore’s AQI at 207 at 9am on October 20, highlighting fluctuations in pollution levels. 

Authorities have intensified enforcement against major pollution sources. Since October 1, officials reportedly shut down 20 stone-crushing machines, demolished 14 brick kilns and sealed 119 others. 

Notices were issued to 1,403 farmers over crop-residue burning, while 11,953 vehicles were fined a combined Rs35.859 million. The Regional Transport Authority separately inspected 811 vehicles and issued 201 challans, collecting Rs502,500 in fines. 

Vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, brick-kiln smoke, crop burning and construction dust contribute to seasonal air pollution. Cold-weather conditions can trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening exposure.

Children, older people and those with respiratory or heart conditions face particular risks. The Punjab EPA advises residents to monitor local air-quality readings and limit outdoor exertion when pollution levels are high.