A severe smog and fog crisis continues to grip Punjab and Sindh provinces, causing widespread disruption and health concerns. Lahore, already consistently ranked among Pakistan’s most polluted cities, now holds the dubious distinction of being among the world’s top two most polluted, according to air quality indices. The hazardous conditions have led to widespread closures and travel disruptions.
Visibility has plummeted, forcing the closure of several motorways at various points. The Lahore-Sialkot Motorway (M-11), sections of the M-2 (Lahore to Kot Momin), M-3 (Lahore to Darakhāna), M-4 (Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem), and M-5 (Multan to Sukkur) motorways are all closed due to dense smog and fog. Significant fog is also reported on the Multan Road, impacting traffic in Lahore, Manga Mandi, and Pattoki, as well as in Renala Khurd, Okara, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, and Mian Channu.
Train and flight schedules have been severely affected. The air quality index (AQI) in Lahore soared to 468 early on Sunday, while Multan recorded an AQI of 338.
In response to the worsening situation, authorities have extended restrictions for another week in an attempt to mitigate the smog. All educational institutions in Lahore and Multan remain closed until further notice, with online classes advised.
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Construction activities in Lahore have also been halted for a week. Entry of vehicles emitting heavy smoke into Lahore has been banned, with checkpoints established to enforce the restriction.
The Punjab government reports a surge in respiratory and eye-related illnesses due to the hazardous air quality. Over 80,000 patients were reported at government hospitals in Punjab within a 24-hour period, and the total number of smog-affected patients in the last month has exceeded 2 million. Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb stated that vehicle checks are underway at entry points to Lahore.
Despite the ongoing anti-smog operation, which has resulted in 212 cases filed and 228 arrests this year, public compliance with measures like mask usage remains low, hindering effective control of the crisis. The smog continues to pose a significant threat to public health and daily life.
