Lahore moves to 16th position among world’s most polluted cities

LAHORE: Lahore has moved to the 16th position among the world’s most polluted cities on the global air quality index, following environment-friendly measures taken by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The chief minister has directed authorities to ensure effective pre-emptive measures ahead of the smog season expected to begin in November. She has also ordered further strengthening of last year’s successful strategy and directed that all sources contributing to the spread of air pollution be controlled. Meteorological experts said that slight fluctuations in the air quality index in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan and other districts of Punjab occur due to changes in the direction of strong winds blowing from India. They said rainfall expected in Lahore next week could help reduce air pollution. The experts further explained that changes in wind speed and humidity affect the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere, resulting in fluctuations in the air quality index. However, on the chief minister’s directives, implementation of all standard operating procedures (SOPs) introduced during last year’s anti-smog season has been further tightened. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the Punjab administration and departments to ensure the disposal of crop residue through modern machinery and prevent its burning. She also ordered effective measures to eliminate the risks posed to human life by burning plastic and the use of plastic-based products. On the chief minister’s directives, monitoring of brick kilns has been intensified, while action against kilns not equipped with zigzag technology has been accelerated. She also directed authorities to strengthen monitoring and inspection of restaurants and barbecue outlets contributing to air pollution through smoke emissions. Strict inspection of heavy and light vehicles entering Lahore is also under way, with particular focus on checking smog emissions. The chief minister has further directed continuous monitoring of motorcycle emissions in the city and action against vehicles found contributing to pollution. Monitoring through Safe City cameras, thermal imaging and advanced AI-based systems has also been enhanced. “During the three-month smog season, the people will extend full cooperation to the actions taken by the administration and departments and together we will set a new example of success, ” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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