Air pollution levels across eastern Pakistan have surged due to the Diwali festival in neighboring India, with smog drifting into Punjab’s major cities.
According to the Punjab Air Quality Monitoring Network, Lahore recorded an AQI of 318, while Dera Ghazi Khan had the highest pollution level at 450. Other major cities included Sheikhupura at 311, Faisalabad at 281, and Gujranwala at 268.
Within Lahore, AQI readings varied across the city, reaching 430 in Kahna, 379 in Shahdara, 344 on Burki Road, 336 on Multan Road, and 327 in DHA Phase 6.
Global monitoring platform IQAir reported Lahore as the world’s most polluted city, with an AQI of 298, ahead of New Delhi at 283.
In response, the Punjab government has activated anti-smog guns and launched night operations in high-pollution zones, including Thokar. The Environment Protection Department (EPD) said polluted air masses from Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Haryana are expected to affect Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Multan, with pollution peaking early morning and at night.
