Lahore’s smog: Where are the results?

Business Recorder says Punjab has widened its anti-smog programme, but evidence that the measures are cleaning Lahore’s air remains limited. The initiatives include a $300 million World Bank-backed clean-air programme, more monitoring posts, drone and AI surveillance, electric transport, and action against crop burning. The article argues that the next test is not the scale of spending or equipment, but measurable changes in pollution.

IQAir data put Lahore’s average PM2.5 level at 88.9 in 2025, down from 102.1 the previous year, yet still far above the World Health Organization’s guideline of 5. PAQI reported a 27 percent annual fall in October 2026, but estimated that weather-adjusted progress was only 4 percent. Its source breakdown attributes 35 percent of primary PM2.5 emissions to transport, 28 percent to heavy industry and 17 percent to brick kilns. The article calls for dependable data, clearer emissions targets, stronger enforcement and independent reviews of government programmes.