By Asim Shahzad
Air pollution and smog have intensified in the city of gardens, with Lahore now ranking as the second most polluted city in the world. The air quality index (AQI) was recorded as high as 283, indicating hazardous air conditions.
RRead also: Lahore Police arrest 83 individuals, register 77 cases in crackdown on environmental polluters
The highest pollution level was observed along Ravi Road, while AQI readings stood at 162 in Garhi Shahu, 161 in Lahore Cantt, 166 in Shimla Pahari, and 172 in central Lahore. Due to the persistent rise in smog, the number of citizens suffering from respiratory and throat ailments has significantly increased.
According to the Environment Department, extensive efforts are being made to control air pollution in Lahore. Action is being taken against smoke-emitting vehicles, and for the first time, mobile fuel testing laboratories have been introduced. Over the past eight months, 800 electric buses have been launched across Punjab as part of anti-smog initiatives.
Officials said that smog is not a divine calamity but a consequence of human negligence. They emphasized that smog can be controlled through collective responsibility and sustainable measures. Major projects, including the use of anti-smog guns, are underway at both the federal and provincial levels to combat rising pollution.
