Severe Smog Grips Punjab Cities as Jhang AQI Soars to Hazardous 678

LAHORE: Severe air pollution and toxic smog have choked several cities across Punjab, pushing air quality levels to extremely hazardous limits and causing widespread breathing difficulties among residents. According to environmental monitoring data, the city of Jhang emerged as the most polluted urban center in the province, recording an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 678.

Metropolitan hubs including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala continue to suffer under a thick blanket of harmful haze. Health officials report a sharp surge in hospital visits for respiratory tract infections, severe asthma attacks, eye irritation, and cardiovascular complications. Environmental experts attribute the rapid deterioration in air quality to agricultural crop residue burning, unmonitored industrial emissions, and heavy vehicular exhaust trapped by low atmospheric temperatures.

The escalating pollution crisis poses severe public health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, elderly citizens, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Medical experts have advised citizens to limit outdoor exposure, wear protective masks, and utilize indoor air purification where possible. Public frustration is mounting over persistent air quality failures despite repeated government assurances.

Provincial environmental authorities and local district administrations are expected to escalate anti-smog crackdowns, target polluting industrial units, and enforce strict bans on crop burning. Officials are currently evaluating temporary school schedule adjustments and vehicular restrictions across affected districts to mitigate the hazardous atmospheric conditions.