Air pollution prevails in Punjab as Gujranwala on top of list

Air pollution prevails in Punjab as Gujranwala on top of list

Air pollution prevails in Punjab as Gujranwala on top of list on Thursday after the city recorded one of the highest air quality index readings in the province, according to data released by an international environment monitoring website. The AQI in Gujranwala surged to a staggering 619, categorised as hazardous and far beyond levels considered safe for public health.

Faisalabad followed with an AQI of 558, while Sheikhupura recorded 459 and Lahore, already struggling with recurring winter smog, registered 330. Multan’s air quality also deteriorated sharply, reaching 269 as cold winds and stagnant air trapped pollutants close to the ground. Health officials warned that the rising pollution has increased the risk of respiratory illnesses, particularly among children, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

With the onset of winter, Punjab experiences a seasonal spike in smog, driven by a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, crop residue burning and temperature inversion. The province witnessed similar alarming conditions last year when pollution soared to record levels, forcing the government to impose emergency measures. Lahore, in particular, remained shrouded in dense smog for days, as the mixture of fog and suspended pollutants formed a toxic haze that reduced visibility and disrupted routine activities. At one point, Lahore’s air pollution exceeded the safety limit defined by the World Health Organization by more than 80 times, turning it briefly into one of the most polluted cities in the world.

Authorities have been making repeated attempts to curb the pollution crisis, introducing restrictions on industries, brick kilns, crop burning and fuel quality. During earlier smog waves, the provincial government temporarily closed schools and reduced business hours for restaurants and markets to minimise public exposure. However, environmental experts say that long-term solutions are needed, including cleaner energy transitions, improved waste management and strict enforcement of emission laws.

Residents across Punjab reported eye irritation, breathing difficulties and severe headaches as the toxic smog thickened over major urban centres. Hospitals also noted a rise in patients seeking treatment for throat infections, asthma triggers and seasonal allergies aggravated by poor air quality. Environmental analysts warned that if urgent steps are not taken, Punjab may continue to experience worsening pollution each winter, creating repeated cycles of public health emergencies.

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As smog blankets Punjab once again, citizens expressed frustration over the lack of sustainable measures and urged the government to take strict action against pollution sources that re-emerge each year. Experts predicted that AQI levels may remain hazardous in the coming days unless weather patterns shift or aggressive mitigation steps are implemented at the provincial level.