Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Watch Live

logo-black

Download App

اردو

smog

Smog to persist across Lahore and Punjab for next two days

by

Smog is expected to continue in Lahore and across Punjab on Wednesday night and over the next two days. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country, while a shallow westerly wave is affecting the northern areas. Under these conditions, dry weather is expected in most … Read more

LHC displeased over not closing markets on time

by
LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday expressed displeasure over the not closing of markets and bazars after 8 pm as part of measures to prevent smog.

The hearing on the petitions filed for smog remediation was held in Lahore High Court, Justice Shahid Karim heard the petitions filed for smog remediation.

Lahore High Court while ordering measures to install water meters to stop wastage of water, said that the main cause of pollution is vehicle smoke and rush, realignment of roads should be done, this will not cause traffic rush.

The court expressed displeasure over the markets and shops remaining open after 8 pm and sought a report from the concerned authorities.

The court has also sought suggestions for a long-term policy to tackle smog.

[embedpost slug=”lhc-orders-to-formulate-work-from-home-policy-for-schools-offices”]

Read more

Lahore becomes world’s most polluted city again

by
Lahore

LAHORE: The Lahore becomes the most polluted city of the world again with  4440 air quality index (AQI) reading on Thursday.

Due to the polluted winds from India, Lahore has once again come to the first place in the list of the most polluted cities in the world.

Lahore’s air quality index was recorded at 440 and the Indian capital New Delhi came second with an air pollution index of 334.

Sukkur was the most polluted city in the country with 565 air particulate meters and Sheikhupura was the third most polluted city in the country with 483.

On the other hand, the smog standard operating procedures (SOPs) have also been relaxed by the Punjab government.

[embedpost slug=”punjab-government-relaxes-smog-restrictions”]

Read more

Punjab allows construction activities in four districts

by
Punjab

LAHORE: The Punjab government announced relaxation in smog-related restrictions, allowing construction activities in the city and three other districts.

The new measures, which aim to balance air quality concerns with economic and developmental needs, were outlined in a notification issued by Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, the Director General of Environment, here on Monday.

Under the updated rules, construction work is now permitted in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan and Faisalabad.

Brick kilns that use zig-zag technology will also be allowed to operate. Additionally, both public and private offices will now be allowed to function with 100% staff attendance.

The new guidelines also include changes to traffic regulations. Heavy vehicles will be allowed to enter the designated districts from Monday to Thursday but will face restrictions on Friday to Sunday during which they will be prohibited from entering.

Other existing restrictions remain in place, including the mandatory closure of shops, markets and shopping malls by 8:00pm.

However, restaurants can continue offering both indoor and outdoor dining until 10:00pm. Furthermore, the notification specifies that barbeque activities will not be allowed unless equipped with proper hood systems.

[embedpost slug=”lhc-orders-schools-to-ensure-transport-for-students”]

Read more

Schools in Multan and Lahore divisions reopened

by
School timings announced for Ramazan in Sindh

LAHORE: Punjab government has reopened educational institutes in Lahore and Multan divisions after reduction in smog in different cities of province.

According to the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the change in the direction of the eastern winds, there was a reduction in smog in different cities of Punjab.

Multan is the most polluted city in the country with an air quality index of 329, followed by Lahore with an air quality index of 291.

Schools in Lahore and Multan divisions will open from today after reduction in smog, while teaching activities have been resumed in other districts as well.

On the other hand, anti-smog grand operation is going on in Punjab and according to provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb, dozens of kilns, industrial units were demolished, dozens of factories and factories were sealed in 4 days.

Lahore’s well-known super store has been sealed for not implementing preventive measures for smog and a case has also been registered against the store management.

[embedpost slug=”multan-tops-global-pollution-ranking”]

Read more

Multan tops global pollution ranking

by
Multan

LAHORE: Multan is the most polluted city of the world where the air quality index(AQI) was recorded at 400 on Tuesday. Similarly, Lahore became the second and Karachi the fourth most polluted cities in the world due to the deteriorating air quality in these two cities. The air quality of Lahore and Karachi is extremely … Read more

Punjab imposes health emergency in Lahore, Multan  

by
Punjab

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed health emergency in Lahore and Multan due to the worsening smog situation.

Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said in a press conference that due to the worsening smog situation, Punjab government has declared health emergency in Lahore and Multan. She said there will be a complete lockdown in Lahore and Multan on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. She further said government has also imposed ban on construction in Multan and Lahore from Saturday to next Sunday.

She said that the health desk has canceled the staff holidays in hospitals and necessary instruction has been to the departments to provide medicines while the citizens should not go out on bikes except in emergency and use masks.

The senior minister added that she will see the data by Wednesday and smog has turned into a health crisis. She said the Punjab government is taking all possible measures to prevent smog and has given a 10-year policy to prevent smog.

Maryam Aurangzeb said that various departments of the government are working day and night to prevent smog and kilns that do not follow zigzag technology are being demolished, but controlling smog is a long-term process. She said three 3-month emergency measures are being taken to control this.

[embedpost slug=”lahore-again-becomes-worlds-polluted-city”]

Read more

Smog to persist in major cities in Nov, Dec: NDMA

by
Smog

ISLAMABAD: Smog conditions are expected to persist across urban centers in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa throughout November and December.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) urged the public to take necessary precautions.

The advisory highlights the rising smog levels in the affected areas, driven by the current weather conditions, and advises residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure and adopt protective measures to safeguard their health.

The advisory states that the National Emergency Operation Centre has been monitoring the current smog situation in Pakistan and surrounding regions.

According to the advisory, the team has access to advanced ground-based and space-based monitoring tools, enabling the analysis and projection of pollution emissions from various sources, including industry, transportation, and agriculture.

This includes emissions from stubble burning, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, surface-level ozone, and particulate matter like PM10 and PM 2.5. By analyzing aerosol optical depth data, the team is identifying hotspots heavily impacted by smog.

The NDMA advisory recommends several measures to mitigate the effects of smog, such as avoiding unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak smog hours, especially in the morning, and wearing masks during outdoor activities.

[embedpost slug=”toxic-air-posing-severe-risk-to-11m-children-in-punjab-unicef”]

Read more

Islamabad administration imposes restrictions to control smog

by
Islamabad administration imposes restrictions to control smog

The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) imposed restrictions to control smog and air pollution, closing all block kilns and factories that emit smoke. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon held a meeting with Assistant Commissioners, the Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA), and the Excise Department, outlining strict steps to curb harmful emissions across the city. … Read more

Schools in Punjab will remain open on Saturday

by
Schools in Punjab will remain open on Saturday

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday announced a ‘temporary’ relaxation of restrictions imposed to address high levels of smog. Caretaker Information Minister Amir Mir in a statement released on social media said that all public schools in Punjab would remain open on December 2 (Saturday). He further mentioned that winter vacations for public schools would … Read more

PMD forecasts rain in various parts of country

by
PMD Forecasts Above-Average Rain in the Next 24 Hours!
  • Cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of country.
  • Smog/fog is likely in upper Sindh, plain areas of Punjab and KP.
  • Smog/fog is likely to persist in plain areas during morning hours.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills for isolated places in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the next 24 hours.

Cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country.

Smog/fog is likely in upper Sindh, plain areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In Islamabad, cold/dry and partly cloudy weather is expected while in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, cold and dry weather is expected in most districts with chances of rain-wind/thunderstorm in Manshera, Abbottabad and Balakot.

Smog/fog is likely to persist in plain areas during morning hours.

In Punjab, cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the province. However, partly cloudy weather with light rain is expected in Murree, Galliyat and surrounding.

Smog/fog is likely to persist in Narowal, Sialkot, Okara, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khanewal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Rahim yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding during morning hours.

In Balochistan, dry weather is expected in most districts of the province, while cold in northern districts.

In Sindh, dry weather is expected in most districts of the province. Fog is likely in Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu and Ghotki during morning hours.

In Kashmir/Gilgit-Baltistan, rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

During the last 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country. However, rain-thunderstorm occurred in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The rainfall recorded during the period was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Kalam, Malam Jabba 09mm, Balakot 07, Kakul 06, Chitral, Patan 03, Saidu Sharif 02, Punjab: Murree 18, Narowal 05, Lahore (City 02), Islamabad, Chaklala 01, Kashmir: Muzaffarabad (City 14, Airport 11), Garhi dupatta 08, Rawalakot 03, Gilgit Baltistan: Gupis 01 mm.

[embedpost slug=”smog-likely-at-various-parts-of-punjab-pmd”]

Read more

LHC orders shutting commercial activities by 10pm to combat smog

by
LHC smog

The Lahore High Court on Tuesday issued an order to close commercial activities by 10 pm, to address the issue of smog in the region. Justice Shahid Karim issued a written order based on petitions, including one from citizen Haroon Farooq. The court directed the closure of commercial activities by 10 pm, endorsing the order … Read more

Punjab schools to remain closed on Friday , Saturday    

by
Punjab
  • A meeting of Cabinet Committee for Anti-Smog was held.
  • Sources said department has decided to close all schools.
  • Lahore is in first place in list of most polluted cities.

LAHORE:  The Punjab government has decided to keep educational institutions closed on Friday and Saturday in certain districts to prevent smog.

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee for Anti-Smog was held under the chairmanship of caretaker Chief Minister Punjab, in which it was decided to close the markets, gyms, cinemas, theaters, and factories completely on Saturday, while restaurants, take-away and home delivery only were to be closed on Saturday.

Sources said that the department has decided to close all schools, colleges, and universities on Friday, while the proposal to impose a soft smog lockdown is also under consideration to combat smog in Punjab.

Talking to the media after the meeting, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi said that he is not in favor of closing the markets at all, the AQI level is higher in the morning and lower in the afternoon, so there is no problem in opening the markets till night.

He said that there are severe effects of smog in six districts, in Lahore including Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, and Sargodha divisions. The markets will open on Fridays and Saturdays at three o’clock, while all kinds of business will be closed on Sundays. Mall Road will be open for cycling only from morning to 5 pm.

He said that preparation is also going on for artificial rain to reduce smog. He directed citizens to use a mask.

Mohsin Naqvi said that it has been decided to give electric motorcycles to the people on subsidy and it has also been decided to give electric motorcycles to government employees on installments.

[embedpost slug=”punjab-govt-makes-wearing-face-masks-mandatory-in-smog-affected-divisions”]

Read more

LHC issues order to close educational institutions on Sat till Jan

by
LHC
  • LHC issued written order directing to issuing of notification.
  • Justice Shahid Karim of LHC issued written order on petitions.
  • Lahore’s air quality index reached alarming levels once again.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court(LHC) has issued an order to keep all educational institutions closed on Saturdays till the end of January due to smog.

The Lahore High Court issued a written order directing to issuing of a notification to close schools, colleges, and universities.

Justice Shahid Karim issued a written order on the petitions filed for the remedy of smog, in which it is said that the Punjab government is taking steps regarding working from home two days a week.

The order said that the word gym closure should be suspended in the notification, and the Meteorological Department should take departmental action against the officers who do not take action against smog.

On the other hand,  Lahore’s air quality index reached alarming levels where the number of particulate meters reached a record 330 at 7 am.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the air in central Punjab, including Lahore and Faisalabad, is still highly polluted by smog.

Due to the high air quality index, Lahore has been declared as the most polluted city, where the number of particulate meters was recorded at 330 at 7 am, while the polluted air has made it difficult for the people of Lahore to breathe.

[embedpost slug=”closure-of-schools-is-no-solution-to-smog-appsf”]

Read more

Closure of schools is no solution to smog: APPSF

by
smog APPSF

In response to rising concerns about smog, the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF), led by Kashif Mirza Sadr, has issued health advisory guidelines aimed at safeguarding the well-being of schools, parents, students, and the wider community. Kashif Mirza Sadr criticized the closure of educational institutions as an inadequate solution, emphasizing the need for competence … Read more

Punjab decides to impose smart lockdown in 10 districts 

by
Punjab
  • PDMA issued notification for implementation of smart Lockdown.
  • “There will be a lockdown on Saturday in 10 districts including Lahore”‘.
  • All public and private schools, colleges, and universities will be closed.

LAHORE: The Punjab Government has decided to impose a smart lockdown in 10 districts of the province including Lahore on November 18(Saturday) due to smog.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a notification for implementation of smart Lockdown.

According to the notification, there will be a lockdown on Saturday in 10 districts including Lahore, Nankana Sahab, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin.

Movement will be restricted in all these districts on Saturday, November 18.

According to the notification, all public and private schools, colleges, and universities will be closed, and online classes will be allowed.

The notification states that markets, shops, gyms, cinemas, and offices can be opened after 3 pm.

Earlier, the Punjab Health Department issued a notification for the closure of private and public schools, colleges, and universities on Saturday, November 18.

Markets, gyms, cinemas, and offices will remain open at 3 pm.

[embedpost slug=”smog-holidays-in-punjab-educational-institutions-offices-will-remain-closed-on-saturday”]

Read more

LHC orders closure of edu institutes on Saturday to control smog

by
LHC
  • Justice Shahid Karim of LHC heard petitions for prevention of smog.
  • Schools and colleges should be completely shut down on Saturdays.
  • Govt and private offices should adopt policy of working from home.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has ordered the closure of private and government schools and colleges on Saturday to control smog.

Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court heard the petitions for the prevention of smog. PHA lawyer Haris Azmat said that the motorcycles of all the employees of the department have been changed to electric motorbikes.

The court remarked that other institutions should also take such steps.

The government lawyer said that a meeting of the members of the Judicial Water Commission with the caretaker Chief Minister will be held on Friday in which other orders including smog will be informed.

The court said that schools and colleges should be completely shut down on Saturdays, and government and private offices should adopt a policy of working from home two days a week. The government had followed this policy two years ago.

The court remarked that smog is no longer a problem in Lahore as it has become a problem in entire Punjab. What action was taken against the Deputy Commissioners in the districts where the air was polluted,  on this, the public prosecutor said that action has been initiated against him.

[embedpost slug=”punjab-govt-starts-considering-various-measures-to-combat-smog”]

Read more

Punjab Govt starts considering various measures to combat smog

by
Islamabad administration imposes restrictions to control smog
  • Work from home  and online schooling are being considered.
  • Restriction on public transport are also considered on Wednesday.
  • Caretaker CM summoned meeting on smog situation in Punjab province.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has started considering various measures to combat smog in the province including Lahore.

Caretaker Transport Minister Punjab Ibrahim Hasan Murad said work from home, online schooling and restriction on public transport are being considered on Wednesday to deal with smog.

He said that the owners of vehicles causing increase in air pollution will be fined, while strict crackdown will also be launched against the industry, kiln owners and those who burn crop residue on agricultural lands.

The measures taken last week are for the betterment of them. The results are there and hence more efforts are being made to reduce smog.

On the other hand, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab has called a meeting on the smog situation in which tough decisions are likely to be taken to remedy the smog.

According to sources, the proposal to close the markets for two days in a week will also be considered in the tough decisions.

Sources said that in the meeting, the Transport Secretary will inform about the measures to limit the movement of vehicles, while the Deputy Commissioners will implement the decision to ban the burning of crop residues.

[embedpost slug=”ndma-punjab-issues-smog-advisory”]

Read more

Smog: Punjab Govt decides to impose smart lockdown

by
Karachi’s air quality declared ‘very unhealthy’ for first time
  • Commissioner Gujranwala said there will be smart lockdown .
  • The smart lockdown will be imposed from Nov 10 to Nov 12.
  • Commissioner Gujranwala requested citizens to limit movement.

LAHORE: Punjab Government has decided to impose smart lockdown in five districts of province including Gujranwala due to smog.

Commissioner Gujranwala said that there will be smart lockdown in Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Wazirabad from November 10 to November 12.

According to the Commissioner, all schools, offices, markets, entertainment places, marriage halls, cinemas will remain closed during the smart lockdown, while cases under Section 144 will be registered for burning crop residues and garbage.

Commissioner Gujranwala requested the citizens to limit movement.

It should be noted that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has already issued a smog advisory.

According to NDMA, smog is likely to reach dangerous levels in central and southern Punjab next week.

In the NDMA advisory, it was said that smog may reach dangerous levels in Gujranwala, Multan, Lahore, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, DG Khan, Sahiwal divisions may also be affected by smog.

[embedpost slug=”ndma-punjab-issues-smog-advisory”]

Read more

Punjab Govt announces holidays for smog hit-districts of province    

by
Smog holidays in Punjab: Educational institutions will remain close on Saturday
  • The smog-hit districts of the province would observe a four-day holiday.
  • Govt will notify business holiday for offices and schools on Nov 10 in Lahore.
  • The bakeries and pharmacies, restaurants, and transport will remain open.

LAHORE: Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that smog-hit districts of the province would observe a four-day holiday.

The holidays will be from Thursday (Iqbal Day) through Sunday, he said.

“Today, we will notify business holiday for offices and schools on November 10 in Lahore division, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Kasur, Nankana Sahib districts, and Hafizabad while November 9 has already been declared a public holiday,” CM Naqvi said in a press conference.

Smog has made Lahore the most polluted city in the world, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi announced a holiday on Friday, November 10 in all districts of Lahore Division, Gujranwala, Wazirabad and Hafizabad were given smog.

The Chief Minister said that marriage halls will remain open on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays while parks will remain closed. The bakeries and pharmacies, take-away restaurants, and public transport will remain open.

Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab said that the factories are not being closed. It is half a day, the markets will be closed on Saturday and the traders will close on Friday if they consider it suitable.

Mohsin Naqvi said that the entire impact of crop residues being burnt in India is coming to Pakistani Punjab.

The caretaker chief minister said that the aim is to bring down the smog as it is not possible to eliminate it. He said rain will also affect the smog.

He said that in India, schools were also closed in New Delhi and the Indian government also had to make tough decisions. He said the Punjab government is monitoring those cities where there is heavy smog. He said, “If you want to stay in Lahore for these three or four days, then stay at home”.

[embedpost slug=”smog-likely-at-various-parts-of-punjab-pmd”]

Read more

Smog likely at various parts of Punjab: PMD

by
smog PMD

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted the likelihood of fog and smog in various parts of Punjab within the next 24 hours. These conditions may be prevalent in locations such as Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Joharabad, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khanewal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and their … Read more

Above 10 brick kilns closed in Multan over smoke emission

by
brick kiln Multan

More than 10 brick kilns have been shut down by the administration in Multan, under the crackdown against smoke emitting workplaces. Deputy Commissioner Captain Retired Rizwan Qadeer took it upon himself to oversee the crackdown, conducting inspections of the motorway and various kilns in Tehsil Sadar. During this operation, the DC Rizwan was joined by … Read more

Punjab government decides to ban smog-emitting vehicles

by
smog-emitting vehicles

Smog increased in the months of October and November. The transport minister ordered to close vehicles immediately. So far, over 4000 smog emitting closed. The government of Punjab has decided to ban smog-emitting vehicles to control the pollution and fog situation. In this regard, the news sources said that every year in October and November, … Read more

LHC orders action against smoke emitting vehicles to combat smog

by
smoke smog

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered authorities to take take strict action against the smoke emitting vehicles in the city to reduce smog levels. Commissioner Lahore, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, appeared before the court in response to its order. The court expressed concern about Lahore ranking first in the world for smog and stressed … Read more

Lahore: Smog forces schools, markets to remain shut on each Wednesday

by
Smog conditions ease in Punjab, Lahore drops from most polluted ranking

To tackle the hazardous smog attack in Lahore, the Punjab government has decided to keep work places and educational institutes closed on every Wednesday until further notice. The Caretaker Punjab government is contemplating a comprehensive response similar to the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat the issue of smog in the region. Under … Read more

Menu

Latest

Entertainment

Lifestyle