Air pollution levels remained high across various districts of Punjab on Wednesday, with Gujranwala recording the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) of 378, followed by Hundal town at 332 and Faisalabad at 318.

Lahore, the provincial capital, registered an overall AQI of 199, placing it seventh in the province and fifth on the global list of most polluted cities.

The intensity of smog varied across Lahore’s neighbourhoods.

The highest pollution levels were recorded around the Civil Secretariat area with an AQI of 474, followed by Johar Town at 455, Burki Road at 419, Cantt at 407, Canal Road at 290, and Askari 10 at 260.

Other areas, including the Allama Iqbal Town, Defence, and Bedian Road, recorded AQI levels of 199, while Gulberg registered 183.

Anti-smog operations

Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the government’s 24/7 anti-smog operations were ongoing.

Authorities said that strict monitoring of brick kilns and industrial activities continued, while zero tolerance was being maintained for stubble burning.

Citizens have been advised to wear masks, limit outdoor exposure for children and asthma patients, and report any smoke to the authorities.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Police have intensified operations against smog, air pollution, and environmental violations.

Polluters fined

In the past 24 hours, 15 cases were registered across Lahore and other districts, with violators arrested.

A total of 483 individuals were fined Rs10.13 million, while 43 others received warnings.

Among the violations reported were 280 cases involving vehicles emitting excessive smoke, three industrial violations, and eight brick kiln offences.

So far this year, a total of 2,911 cases have been registered, 2,587 violators arrested, and fines exceeding Rs232.1 million imposed on 97,924 people.

Additionally, 1,777 cases of stubble burning, 59,053 vehicle pollution violations, 1,401 industrial offences, and 2,226 brick kiln violations have been recorded.

Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar has instructed authorities to accelerate smog crackdown operations and enforce zero tolerance against violations of smog SOPs.