Lahore’s Air Quality Records Notable Improvement

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Lahore’s air quality has shown a marked improvement under a series of environment-friendly initiatives launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, despite below-average rainfall and persistently dry weather conditions during the current season.
According to an analytical report, the city recorded a consistent improvement in its Air Quality Index (AQI) in 2026 compared to the previous year. From October 2025 to January 10, 2026, Lahore’s overall AQI improved by 58 points, indicating a positive shift in environmental conditions.
The report shows that out of 102 days during the 2025–26 period, air quality was better on 60 days, reflecting an overall 20 percent improvement. Month-wise data indicates steady progress, with AQI improving by eight points in October, a significant 192 points in November, and 13 points in December. In the first 10 days of January 2026 alone, AQI improved by 28 points compared to the same period last year.
In October 2025, the city’s average AQI stood at 205, compared to 213 in October 2024, with 16 days falling into the better air quality category. November 2025 showed the most dramatic improvement, with the average AQI dropping to 261 from 453 in November 2024, a reduction of 192 points, and 23 days recorded as having improved air quality. In December 2025, the average AQI was 247, compared to 235 a year earlier, while 14 days were still classified as better air quality days.
During the first 10 days of January 2026, the average AQI was recorded at 192, down from 220 during the same period last year. Seven out of nine days showed improved air quality, with an overall improvement of 33 points.
The report attributes the improvement to government measures implemented on the directives of the Chief Minister, including strict action against smoke-emitting vehicles, the use of substandard fuel and unchecked industrial emissions. It notes that data-driven policymaking, enhanced field monitoring and an effective penalty system have played a key role in reducing air pollution.
Additional measures included strict enforcement of environmental laws, improved inter-departmental coordination, deployment of smog squads and the use of modern equipment to ensure timely action at pollution hotspots. Traffic management initiatives and tighter industrial regulation also contributed to curbing smog, with the report noting a decline in the number of days classified as hazardous during the 2025 smog season.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that the protection of public health remains the top priority of the Punjab government. She added that reforms and modern monitoring systems have been introduced to ensure the provision of cleaner air for citizens.