Overview
- Lahore’s average AQI rose to 279 on Friday as pollution worsened across Punjab, with neighborhoods reporting readings well into hazardous ranges.
- Provincial cities recorded extreme levels, including Faisalabad at 415, Sialkot at 373, and Multan at 328, while Peshawar reached 410.
- Health officials urged residents to limit outdoor activity, use high-quality masks, and keep vulnerable groups indoors as smog persisted.
- November data had shown marked improvement year over year, with Lahore’s maximum daily PM2.5 down 56% to 237 µg/m³, the monthly average at 181 µg/m³, and no days at AQI 300 or above.
- Despite the gains, all November days still exceeded Punjab’s 35 µg/m³ health standard, and authorities reported intensified enforcement with thousands of demolitions, seals, FIRs, and fines exceeding Rs711 million.