Lahore PM2.5 averages eight times WHO limit, PAQI report finds

Lahore's average PM2.5 concentration stood at 126 micrograms per cubic metre between October 1 and November 9, eight times the World Health Organisation guideline, according to a Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) report released on Tuesday. Satellite data cited in the same report counted 16,714 likely crop-residue fires across Punjab in that period.

The city exceeded the national 24-hour air quality standard on all 40 days for which valid readings were available, the report said. Daily Times reported that the average concentration was 11 per cent below the same period last year. Dawn reported that the number of crop-residue fires remained almost unchanged from the corresponding period last year.

Satellite instruments detected 18,825 fires across Punjab, of which 89 per cent were linked to crop residues. Sheikhupura recorded the highest count with 2,559 detections, followed by Jhang with 2,192, Okara with 2,062, Hafizabad with 1,893 and Gujranwala with 1,417. The five districts together accounted for 54 per cent of all detections.

Days when winds carried smoke from burning areas towards Lahore averaged 175 micrograms of PM2.5, against 93 micrograms on other days, the report found. Researchers said weather conditions and limited air movement also contributed to the pollution.

The report also examined whether Diwali fireworks in India worsened air quality in Punjab. Lahore recorded a 10 per cent increase in PM2.5 during the period after the celebrations, while Faisalabad and Multan each recorded a 40 per cent increase. Researchers said the pattern did not support fireworks across the border as the main explanation. Dawn, which led its report on that finding, said the PAQI report questioned the link between the fireworks and Lahore's pollution.

Punjab's Environment Protection Department said air quality improved after emergency measures. Lahore's average AQI fell from 489 to 232 between 9am and 3pm on Monday, according to the department. Authorities deployed anti-smog guns and sprinkled water over roughly 640 kilometres, and intensified inspections of factories, brick kilns and other pollution sources.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority forecast rain across several Punjab districts over two days. The authority said the rain could reduce smog but bring colder weather and strong winds, and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during storms. PAQI identified hundreds of likely crop fires near Lahore under the wind conditions expected in the coming days.