The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Punjab contributes to air pollution in the region resulting in the Smog and Fog prevailing in the region that is hazardous to human health.

In 2023, air pollution was at its peak. Regardless of reducing air pollution, the government allocated winter vacations to students and even prolonged the duration of vacations in case of high smog and fog. In Pakistan, particularly, the air index is rising rapidly.

Each year, the index prolongs and disturbs the sophistication of the region. In the modern time, when individuals are reluctant to even walk along with the smokers, they have to bear the smoke-filled environment where breathing will be difficult.

In an estimated prediction, Punjab’s air is so polluted that if a healthy person inhales this air, it would be like they are smoking 5-6 cigarettes at a time.

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The AQI was also at its peak in 2024 too. Lahore and Multan are considered as the most polluted cities. Lahore is even ranked among the top most polluted cities in the region. The highest AQI recorded in Lahore was at 1,902.

Punjab National Climate Act of 1958 also declared smog as a disastrous element affecting the lives of inhabitants badly. That is why the government always closes educational institutions, limits the activities of the people at night, and restricts restaurants from opening late in order to protect the lives of the people.

Rafi Alam, an environmental advocate, states that these actions are merely temporary and have nothing to do to tackle the problem. All these actions are just show-offs by the government. It is trying to show how concerned the government is about the health of its people.

Alam further added that the graph showing the AQI of the last 3 years is clearly indicating that the rate is increasing every year. However, the government should take steps to decrease the rate, but regardless of taking significant steps, it is deceiving itself and the people.

The experts claim that air pollution is the result of smoke emitted through vehicles, industries, and factories. Still, Punjab’s government is stressing that the pollution rate is increasing due to its neighboring countries like India.

Raja Jahangir Anwar, Secretary of the Environment Protection Agency, while talking to the X channel, said that the government understands the problem, and to resolve the problem, it started to focus on the construction, industries, factories, and kilns to emit less smoke. He said that the government has invested Rs 50 billion to combat smog. However, the government is hopeful for a clean and green environment and is determined to address these climate challenges in the best possible way to reduce them.