Smog in Lahore. Photo file: Reuters
The Punjab government has introduced a provincial ban on the use of wood and charcoal of restaurants and barbecue outlets in an attempt to limit the deterioration of air pollution. All hotels and eateries have been given 15 days to install suction hoods and smoke management systems or are facing litigation under environmental legislation.
According to a directive issued Wednesday, Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and Punjab Food Authority (PFA) have launched joint operations to inspect food and enforce compliance. The order is specifically aimed at barbecue restaurants and traditional cooking setups known for emitting heavy smoke and particles.
EPA General Imran Hamid Sheikh said field teams have been mobilized across all districts to ensure immediate enforcement. “There is no room for smoke -emitting restaurants in Punjab. Those who do not install suction systems within 15 days will have a strict action,” he said. Sheikh added that Deputy Commissioners throughout the province have been asked to oversee the implementation. “Punjab will not tolerate further deterioration of air quality,” he warned.
Officials said that the new measures are part of an intensified smog repayment plan implemented before the winter season. EPA teams have been ordered to control industrial emissions, open burning and vehicle smoke along with restaurant inspections.
The crash comes as air quality over Punjab continues to worsen. According to the recent eight-hour report released by the EPA, the province recorded an average air quality index (AQI) of 164 that placed it in the ‘unhealthy of sensitive groups’. Gujranwala registered the highest levels of pollution with an AQI of 239, followed by Kasur of 209 and Lahore 206 – all classified as ‘very unhealthy’.
Other major cities also reported worrying figures including Narowal of 183, Faisalabad 181, and Hafizabad of 175. Even small city centers such as Chiniot, Sialkot and Okara registered AQI levels between 158 and 175, which far exceeded safe borders.
EPA noted that AQI calculations were based on PM2.5 Particle -shaped data, which poses the greatest health risk due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Health officials warn that exposure to such high levels can trigger respiratory distress, reduced immunity and other health complications, especially among children and the elderly.
Environmental experts emphasize that enforcement consistency remains critical.
Winter, Eastern Wind Intensive Lahore Smog
Air pollution in Lahore and several other cities in Punjab reached dangerous levels due to cold temperatures and contaminated air driving in from India. Iqair, a global monitoring platform for air quality, ranked Lahore as the most polluted city in the world in the morning.
EPA reported that contaminated air from all over the eastern border had increased the concentration of fine PM2.5, which resulted in a sharp decrease in Lahor’s air quality. Low wind speeds prevented the spread of pollutants, causing them to accumulate close to the ground.
Smog Monitoring Center reported that pollution levels were the highest between 7 p.m. 06.00 and 11.00 with minor improvements until 7 p.m. 17 and an increase again afterwards.
Health experts advised citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with respirators or heart disease, to avoid outdoor exposure and keep windows closed.
Understanding the air quality index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to communicate air quality and its potential health effects. It is divided into six categories based on the concentration of pollutants in the air:
Good: With an AQI value between 0 to 50, the air quality is considered satisfactory, which pays little or no risk of the general population.
Moderate: An AQI value ranging from 51 to 100 indicates acceptable air quality. However, there may be a risk to some individuals, especially those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Unhealthy for sensitive groups: For AQI values between 101 to 150, members of sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory or heart disease, may experience health effects. The public is less likely to be affected.
Unhealthy: With an AQI value from 151 to 200, some members of the general population may experience health effects, while sensitive groups can have more serious effects.
Very unhealthy: AQI values from 201 to 300 signal a health alarm where the risk of health effects increases for everyone.
Dangerous: An AQI of 301 or higher represents emergency conditions with a health warning that everyone is more likely to be affected.
