Overview
- The province kept its smog alert in place for a third straight day after EPA data showed Lahore averaging an AQI of 288 and Punjab at 211.
- Officials linked the spike to local emissions and inflow from the northwest under stagnant winter conditions that hinder dispersion.
- Punjab authorities activated round-the-clock operations under CM Maryam Nawaz, deploying rapid-response units, water tankers and enforcement squads.
- Drone surveillance and expanded inspections targeted crop-residue burning, industrial zones, brick kilns and major transport corridors, with source mapping underway.
- Hospitals in South Punjab reported more respiratory cases as smog reduced visibility, with Bahawalpur down to 350 metres, and public advisories urged masking and limited outdoor exposure.