LAHORE: In a major move to fight rising air pollution in Punjab, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb on Tuesday launched the Anti-Smog Gun, a new technology developed by engineers at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore.
Air pollution in Pakistan has been worsening, partly due to polluted winds coming from India, affecting cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, and Bahawalpur. The Punjab government has started several preventive measures, including installing anti-smog guns in high-risk areas.
According to official sources, winds from New Delhi are entering Pakistan at a speed of 5 km per hour, while polluted air from Indian cities such as Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Gurdaspur, and Patiala is also crossing into Punjab. Polluted winds from Rajasthan’s Suratgarh, Jodhpur, and Jaipur are further worsening the situation.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that air quality in Lahore and nearby cities is likely to drop today, mainly because of pollution caused by Diwali fireworks in India.
EPA officials confirmed that anti-smog guns have been made functional at several key locations, including Allama Iqbal Town, Multan Road, Karim Block, Ravi Pul, Shahdara Flyover, Thokar Niaz Baig, Upper Mall, and GT Road.
Speaking at the launch event, Maryam Aurangzeb praised UET engineers for developing the Anti-Smog Gun, calling it “a remarkable step toward a cleaner environment.” She said the Punjab government would use this technology as part of its broader anti-smog strategy.
The Anti-Smog Gun has a 40-meter range and works by spraying fine water droplets that trap dust and pollution particles, helping them settle on the ground.
Officials say the launch of this system marks an important step in Punjab’s efforts to tackle smog as the winter season begins.
