Crop-residue fires contribute to Punjab’s smog as Lahore records eight times WHO pollution limit

Punjab recorded more than 16,700 suspected crop-residue fires between October 1 and November 9, while Lahore's average PM2.5

LAHORE:  Punjab recorded more than 16,700 suspected crop-residue fires between October 1 and November 9, while Lahore’s average PM2.5 concentration remained eight times higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended guideline, according to a report released by the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI).

The assessment highlighted the significant contribution of agricultural burning to worsening air pollution and questioned claims that Diwali fireworks in neighbouring India were primarily responsible for Lahore’s deteriorating air quality.

According to the report, satellite monitoring identified 18,825 fires across Punjab, Pakistan, during the period, with approximately 89 per cent classified as likely crop-residue burning. The highest number of incidents was recorded on November 1, when 1,102 fires were detected.

Sheikhupura reported the highest number of suspected fires at 2,559, followed by Jhang with 2,192, Okara with 2,062, Hafizabad with 1,893 and Gujranwala with 1,417. Together, these five districts accounted for 54 per cent of the total detections.

Lahore’s average PM2.5 concentration reached 126 micrograms per cubic metre, exceeding the 24-hour National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) on all 40 days with valid monitoring data. However, the average was 11 per cent lower than the corresponding period last year.

The report also established a positive association between agricultural fires and pollution levels in cities located downwind. Lahore recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 175 micrograms per cubic metre when air currents passed over fire-affected areas, compared with 93 micrograms on other days.

Similar trends emerged in Multan and Bahawalpur, indicating that agricultural burning was an important contributor to regional pollution. However, PAQI cautioned that stagnant weather and limited atmospheric dispersion also played a role in trapping pollutants.

The assessment further examined whether Diwali fireworks in India had significantly worsened Lahore’s air quality. Although air currents travelled from Indian territory towards Pakistan, the available evidence did not establish fireworks as the primary cause of the pollution increase.

Interestingly, Faisalabad and Multan recorded greater increases in PM2.5 levels than several cities closer to the international border. The report said chemical testing of particulate matter would be necessary to distinguish fireworks emissions from agricultural smoke.

Air quality shows improvement

Meanwhile, the Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department reported a considerable improvement in Lahore’s air quality following emergency anti-smog operations.

The city’s AQI dropped from 489 at 9am to 232 by 3pm on Monday, marking an improvement of approximately 53 per cent. All 11 monitoring stations recorded declining pollution levels.

Authorities deployed anti-smog guns, conducted mist-sprinkling operations across approximately 640 kilometres of roads and intensified inspections of industrial units and brick kilns.

EPA Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh said Quick Response Units were monitoring satellite-detected fire incidents and taking action against those responsible for agricultural burning.

Rain expected across Punjab

Separately, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority forecast rainfall across several Punjab districts over the following two days, expecting it to help reduce smog while bringing colder weather.

Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura and several other districts are likely to receive rain. Strong winds and isolated hailstorms have also been forecast in parts of southern Punjab.

The authority advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during storms and follow safety precautions during thunderstorms and lightning.

Despite the expected rainfall, PAQI warned that satellite data indicated considerable fire activity in areas upwind of Lahore, suggesting that pollution could remain a concern in the coming days.