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Lahore's Air Quality Crisis: Monitors Overwhelmed
12 Nov
Summary
- Monitors in India failed to record extreme smog levels after Diwali fireworks.
- Smog from India contributes significantly to Punjab's poor air quality.
- Punjab government claims a substantial improvement in air quality this year.
Lahore, Pakistan, continues to grapple with severe smog, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 358 on November 12, 2026, ranking it among the world's most polluted cities. India's capital, New Delhi, also experienced critical levels with an AQI of 248, where pollution monitors were overwhelmed by extreme particulate matter concentrations following Diwali fireworks, failing to record the full extent of the toxicity for several hours.
Punjab's Environment Protection Agency (EPA) reported that approximately 50% of the province was affected by air originating in India in the 24 hours prior to November 12, 2026. Forward-trajectory modelling indicated that Diwali night emissions from Amritsar could reach Lahore within two hours. This cross-border pollution contributed significantly to the deterioration of air quality, though local emissions and meteorological conditions also play a role.
Despite the ongoing crisis, Punjab minister Marriyum Aurangzeb asserted that the smog situation is considerably better than in previous years, citing the establishment of an evidence-based, technology-driven system for smog mitigation. She claimed a significant improvement, with Lahore's AQI dropping from approximately 2,400 on November 11, 2024, to below 450 on November 11, 2026. The government also highlighted the implementation of a 24/7 monitoring system and an advanced air quality forecasting system.
