Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has said this year’s October recorded Lahore’s cleanest air in the last five years, with an average US Air Quality Index (AQI) of 180.5, compared to 204.6 in 2025 and 213 in 2024.
In a post on X, she said that “for the first time in five years, not a single day crossed AQI 300. Even the traditionally smog-heavy final 10 days recorded significantly lower pollution levels.”
LAHORE’S CLEAN AIR PROGRESS, DATA-DRIVEN ACTION, TECHNOLOGY LED GOVERNANCE, MEASURABLE RESULTS. Alhamdulilah, October 2026 recorded Lahore’s cleanest air in the last five years, with an average US AQI of 180.5, compared to 204.6 in 2025 and 213 in 2024. For the first time in five years, not a single day crossed AQI 300. Even the traditionally smog-heavy final 10 days recorded significantly lower pollution levels. This progress reflects a historic, evidence based strategy combining technology, public engagement, coordinated management, targeted mitigation and strict enforcement through a multi sectoral approach. The establishment of Pakistan’s first Punjab Climate Watch marks an important milestone in technology enabled environmental monitoring, data driven decision making and institutional coordination. I sincerely appreciate the Environment and Climate Change department EPA Punjab for its leadership and acknowledge the collective contribution of all departments and all enforcement agencies and field teams My heartfelt thanks to the people of Lahore for their cooperation, awareness and collective responsibility. This is what coordinated governance delivers: institutions working together, technology guiding decisions, enforcement driving compliance and citizens becoming partners in change. Cleaner air is a collective mission. Our commitment to a healthier and smog less Punjab continues. Alhamdulilah
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) November 1, 2026
“This progress reflects a historic, evidence-based strategy combining technology, public engagement, coordinated management, targeted mitigation, and strict enforcement through a multi-sectoral approach. The establishment of Pakistan’s first Punjab Climate Watch marks an important milestone in technology-enabled environmental monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and institutional coordination”, she added.
The chief minister expressed her gratitude “to the people of Lahore for their cooperation, awareness and collective responsibility.”
Due to the burning of crops in Indian Punjab, air quality in Lahore remained unhealthy in several areas. CERP Office recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 240, followed by ARM at 214, Burki Road at 210, and Allama Iqbal Town B at 203 on Saturday.
The Punjab government has stepped up action against sources of air pollution, including smoke-emitting vehicles, brick kilns, industrial units, plastic burning and construction dust. However, pollution from across the Indian border has also contributed to worsening smog in Lahore.
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) said it is using artificial intelligence-powered cameras to identify smog-related violations across the province.
Note: Residents can report environmental violations by calling the police emergency number 15.
