The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned of severe smog and dense fog across Punjab from December 12 to 16, as air quality in several major cities continues to drop to dangerously high pollution levels. Authorities are urging residents to take urgent precautions, especially vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and people with respiratory or heart conditions.
Smog & Fog Alert in Punjab — Key Highlights
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Smog and fog expected Dec 12–16 across central and southern Punjab
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AQI reaches hazardous levels in multiple cities
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PMD forecasts rain & snowfall in northern Punjab on Dec 14–15
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PDMA urges use of masks, staying indoors, and smog lights
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Motorways experience closures due to reduced visibility
Punjab Faces Hazardous Air Quality Levels
Smog has once again intensified across Punjab, with major cities witnessing extremely poor visibility and toxic air. Some of the highest AQI readings recorded include:
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Gujrat: 463
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Sialkot: 415
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Gujranwala: 412
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Lahore: 369
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Multan: 244
Earlier in the day, Lahore’s AQI shockingly peaked at 587, placing it among the most polluted cities in the world.
Areas most affected by hazardous conditions include:
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DHA
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Bedian Road
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Iqbal Town
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CERP Office & surrounding localities
Health experts are calling the situation a public health emergency, warning citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.
Smog’s Impact on Public Health
Hospitals in Lahore and nearby districts have reported a noticeable spike in patients suffering from:
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Shortness of breath
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Asthma flare-ups
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Eye and throat irritation
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Heart complications
Doctors warn that prolonged exposure to smog can trigger severe respiratory diseases, especially among sensitive groups.
Motorways Face Repeated Closures Due to Fog
The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) temporarily shut down multiple sections of the Sukkur–Multan Motorway (M-5) on Thursday night due to near-zero visibility.
Affected sections included:
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Multan → Zahir Pir (Rahim Yar Khan)
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Ghotki → Rohri
Motorways reopened on Friday morning as visibility improved but authorities cautioned that closures could resume at any time if fog thickens.
NHMP Safety Advisory:
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Use fog lights
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Maintain a safe distance
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Avoid overspeeding
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Travel during daylight hours (10 am – 6 pm)
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Avoid nonessential travel
PMD Weather Forecast
While heavy smog is expected to persist in plains, the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts rain and snowfall in northern Punjab, including Murree and surrounding areas, on December 14–15.
However, PMD says fog will continue to affect low-lying areas despite the expected rains.
Punjab, UK Discuss Environmental Cooperation
In a related development, Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb met with the UK’s Minister of State for International Development Baroness Jennifer Chapman, along with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott.
The meeting focused on:
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Strengthening climate cooperation
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Promoting green technology
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Supporting environmental sustainability
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Enhancing trade and development ties under the UK–Pakistan Green Compact
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to combating climate-related challenges, including Punjab’s ongoing smog crisis.
Final Outlook
With smog forecast to remain intense throughout the week, citizens are strongly advised to:
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Limit outdoor activity
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Wear high-quality masks
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Install smog lights on vehicles
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Keep windows closed
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Stay updated on motorway conditions
Authorities emphasize that collective caution is essential to minimize health risks during this hazardous smog spell.
