LAHORE:
Dense smog continued to blanket the provincial capital, pushing air quality to dangerously unhealthy levels on Sunday.
Thick grey haze hovered over the city from early morning, significantly reducing visibility and forcing residents to begin their day under hazardous environmental conditions.
According to real time monitoring systems, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the very unhealthy to hazardous range throughout the day.
The sharp rise in air pollution was largely attributed to a combination of stagnant winter weather, vehicular emissions, unchecked industrial activity, construction dust and seasonal agricultural smoke drifting into urban centres.
Calm wind and low temperature trapped pollutants close to the ground, preventing dispersion and intensifying smog formation. Environmental experts warn that without a sustained change in weather patterns or strict enforcement of pollution controls, the situation may persist for days.
Across Lahore, residents complained of breathing difficulties, burning eyes and throat irritation as smog lingered in residential and commercial areas alike. Daily life has been visibly affected, with many people opting to stay indoors, while motorcyclists and pedestrians struggled during peak traffic hours.
The crisis is affecting much of Punjab.
Faisalabad, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, Narowal and Sheikhupura also experienced poor air quality, with pollution levels crossing safe limits.
In several districts, visibility dropped sharply, increasing the risk of road accidents and disrupting transport.
Health advisories urged citizens across the province to avoid unnecessary travel, wear protective masks and keep windows closed, particularly during early morning and evening hours when pollution intensifies.
Hospitals across Punjab recorded a growing influx of patients suffering from smog-related health complications. Doctors reported an increase in cases of respiratory infections, asthma attacks, bronchitis and persistent coughing. Eye infections, skin allergies and chest discomfort have also become common complaints.
Government hospitals in Lahore have treated thousands of patients in recent days for pollution-linked symptoms.
Medical experts caution that prolonged exposure to polluted air poses serious long-term health risks. Continuous inhalation of fine particulate matter can worsen heart disease, trigger stroke, damage lung function and increase the likelihood of chronic illnesses. Children, the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions remain the most vulnerable, with doctors emphasising that exposure at current pollution levels can have lasting consequences.
Authorities continue to implement anti-smog measures, including inspections of industrial units, restrictions on high emission vehicles and monitoring of construction sites.
