November 28, 2025
By Aitzaz Ibrahim
Last year, the smog situation in Lahore reached an extremely alarming stage, pushing the city into one of its worst environmental episodes in recent memory. The Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to around 1900, a level considered highly hazardous for human health. The deteriorating air conditions prompted the Punjab government to impose a Green Lockdown, restricting various public activities in an attempt to curb rising pollution levels.
Under the lockdown, educational institutions, government and private offices, wedding halls, restaurants and other public spaces were placed under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Movement in certain areas was limited, and citizens were urged to stay indoors to minimize exposure to toxic air.
Slight Improvement in AQI This Year
In contrast, this year’s smog levels, although still concerning, showed a degree of improvement. The highest AQI in Lahore has been recorded at around 533, significantly lower than last year’s peak. Government officials and environmental authorities attribute this improvement to a combination of administrative measures, targeted enforcement efforts and stricter regulation of pollution sources.
According to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Punjab, enforcement actions were intensified over the past months. EPA Inspector Hafiz Muaaz Tariq stated that brick kilns and industrial units were closely monitored to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Emission tests for vehicles were conducted across Lahore, and anti-smog air guns were used in areas where air pollution levels were reported to be particularly high.
Experts Highlight the Role of Weather Patterns
Environmental experts, however, believe that government measures are only part of the reason behind this year’s relatively better air quality. Climate conditions, they say, played an equally significant role.
Environmental specialist Shafiq Kamboh explained that last year’s harsh conditions were largely influenced by the El Niño weather pattern, which brought dry and warm winds to the region. The absence of rain allowed pollutants to accumulate in the air for extended periods, worsening smog intensity.
In contrast, this year saw more frequent monsoon rains and even flooding in several areas, which helped wash away pollutants and reduce particulate matter in the atmosphere.
Public Perception
Citizens of Lahore also share the view that smog levels this year have been somewhat less suffocating compared to last season. Many residents report clearer visibility, fewer smog-filled mornings and slightly improved breathing conditions during peak traffic hours.
Despite these improvements, experts caution that the city’s overall air quality remains far from safe. Lahore continues to rank among the top five most polluted cities in the world, reflecting persistent structural challenges. Rapid urbanization, unmanaged industrial growth, heavy traffic load and seasonal crop burning continue to contribute significantly to air pollution levels.
While this year’s reduced AQI offers temporary relief, environmentalists stress that long-term solutions are essential to prevent future crises. They recommend consistent regulatory enforcement, investment in green infrastructure, modernization of industrial technology, and public awareness campaigns to address the root causes of pollution.
Lahore’s smog problem, they warn, cannot be resolved through seasonal measures alone. Without sustained efforts, the city risks returning to the hazardous levels witnessed last year — levels that threatened public health, disrupted daily life and underscored the urgent need for comprehensive environmental reform.