As per the daily Air Quality Index, PM2.5 and PM10 levels in several cities of Punjab are being recorded at many times higher than the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Available real-time data shows that average PM2.5 concentrations in the province ranged from 161–196 µg/m³, while the WHO’s annual guideline is 15 µg/m³. Similarly, PM10 levels were recorded between 211–258 µg/m³, far exceeding the global standard of 45 µg/m³.
Experts claim that effective control of air pollution requires more than just the Air Quality Index since it is essential to know which sectors are contributing towards pollution and in what quantities. They argue that if an emissions inventory is developed on scientific grounds and updated regularly, it could become a decisive step in addressing the province’s pollution problem. Otherwise, environmental policies will continue to rely on estimates and outdated reports.
Abid Hussainy, General Manager of Environment at The Urban Unit, stated that there is currently no comprehensive research available in the province that can clearly and conclusively identify the sources of PM2.5.
“The Punjab Environment Protection Department has recently engaged SUPARCO to determine the causes of PM2.5 through a source of apportionment study, which will identify various pollution sources. Effective policymaking is not possible without accurate data and scientific analysis,” noted Hussainy.
To fill this gap, the Government of Punjab is moving towards establishing the province’s first climate observatory. According to Hussaini, the purpose of this institution is to bring together environmental data from various sectors onto a central platform, enabling evidence-based policymaking, early identification of climate risks, and the promotion of effective environmental governance.
Experts note that major components of air pollution include particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone, which are linked to traffic, industry, brick kilns, thermal power plants, agricultural activities, and domestic fuel use. Industrial activity and vehicle emissions are considered major contributors to increases in PM2.5 and PM10, while the burning of crop residues in agricultural areas significantly intensifies smog during winter.
Maryam Shah, a representative of the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, opined that actions against pollution cannot be effective without accurate and transparent data. “A comprehensive monitoring network, data sharing, public access, and the involvement of local and international experts are essential to address this crisis. Even now, most government actions are based on reports from 2019 and 2021, whereas there is an urgent need for up-to-date scientific information,” implored Shah.
On the other hand, the government has reportedly allocated Rs3 billion for the establishment of the province’s first climate observatory. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this institution will compile records of emissions generated by human activities over the past decades, enabling identification of pollution sources, their geographical distribution, and climatic impacts; information that will form the foundation of future environmental policymaking.
According to Naseem Rehman, Former Director of the Punjab EPA, around 41 air quality monitors are currently operational across the province, including Lahore, and this number is planned to be increased to 100 in the next phase. “The EPA now has access to credible, real-time data; however, the real need is to research this data to identify the actual sources of PM2.5. Most measures so far have been based on study reports from 2018 and 2021,” conceded Rehman.