Lahore Smog Worsens After Diwali Fireworks: AQI 647, Punjab Govt Issues Warning

The Punjab government has warned that smog in Lahore and the rest of Punjab could worsen over the coming days, after large-scale Diwali fireworks across the border in India. Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on 9 November 2026 that fine particles from the fireworks could further increase regional air pollution, and Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 647 the same day — deep in the hazardous category. Residents, especially children, older people and those with breathing or heart problems, have been advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the air improves.

Lahore AQI Reaches 647 — Among the Worst in the World

Lahore was ranked the world’s most polluted major city on Monday, 9 November 2026. The hourly AQI reading reached 647, while the reading between 9am and 10am stood at 590, according to IQAir. Other Punjab cities also recorded hazardous air: Raiwind 688, Multan 655 and Faisalabad 600.

Why Smog Is Expected to Worsen

The minister said a deep layer of fog and polluted air starting from the Bay of Bengal is already covering the region, and wind direction, wind speed and how stable the air remains will also affect Lahore’s AQI. Polluted winds entering through the eastern corridor from Indian cities — including Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Khem Karan, Amritsar, Fazilka and Tarn Taran — contributed to the rise in the provincial capital’s AQI.

• Diwali fireworks: large-scale fireworks across the border released fine particles that added to regional air pollution.
• Cross-border winds: polluted winds from Indian Punjab cities travelled into Lahore through the eastern corridor.
• Local sources: crop-residue burning, smoke-emitting vehicles and open burning of garbage add to the smog inside Punjab.
• Weather: wind direction, wind speed and atmospheric stability decide how long the smog stays over Lahore.

What the Punjab Government Is Doing

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed faster monitoring and anti-smog operations across the province. The minister said the government’s preventive measures kept pollution levels below the forecast range despite the impact of the fireworks, and that air quality was expected to improve within two to three hours as wind direction and speed changed, along with sunshine.

• Intensified operations: smog guns and water sprinkling have been stepped up in potential high-AQI areas along the eastern corridor towards India.
• Round-the-clock monitoring: Environment Protection Department (EPA) teams are monitoring smog around the clock, including at night.
• Crop-burning enforcement: crop-fire reports from 1 October to 4 November stood at 459, down 28 percent from 637 in the same period last year, and 57 first information reports (FIRs) were registered for crop burning between 1 October and 2 November.
• Assessment coming: the Environment Protection Department is expected to issue a comparative assessment on 10 November on how weather, local emissions, agricultural fires and cross-border pollution contributed to this smog episode.

What Citizens Should Do

The minister urged the public to help control local sources of pollution and to follow the official advice until air quality improves.

• Avoid unnecessary travel: do not go out unless necessary, especially children, older people, pregnant women and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
• Stay indoors: remain inside until air quality improves, and keep windows, ventilators and doors closed so polluted air does not enter homes.
• Do not burn crop residue: farmers should completely avoid burning crop residue, especially rice stubble.
• Follow the open-burning ban: do not burn garbage, plastic or other waste in the open.
• Keep smoke-emitting vehicles off the road: do not bring vehicles that emit smoke onto the roads in the coming days.

Government Action and Reporting

Conclusion

The Punjab government has warned that smog in Lahore and the rest of Punjab could worsen over the coming days, with Lahore’s AQI already at 647 in the hazardous category after Diwali fireworks across the border. The government has intensified smog guns, water sprinkling and round-the-clock monitoring, and crop-burning cases are down 28 percent on last year. Until the air clears, residents should avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors, keep windows closed, and avoid burning crop residue or waste.

FAQs

What is Lahore’s AQI today?
Lahore’s hourly AQI reached 647 on 9 November 2026, in the hazardous category. The reading between 9am and 10am was 590, according to IQAir.

Why is smog worsening in Lahore?
Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb linked the spike to large-scale Diwali fireworks across the border, polluted winds from Indian Punjab cities, and a deep layer of fog and polluted air covering the region — on top of local sources such as crop burning and smoke-emitting vehicles.

What should I do during the smog?
Avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors, keep windows, ventilators and doors closed, do not burn crop residue or garbage in the open, and keep smoke-emitting vehicles off the road.

Is the government taking action against smog?
Yes. Smog guns and water sprinkling have been intensified in high-AQI areas, EPA teams are monitoring smog around the clock, and 57 FIRs have been registered for crop burning since 1 October 2026.

When will the smog improve?
The minister said air quality was expected to improve within two to three hours as wind direction and speed changed, along with sunshine, but the risk of thicker smog remains over the coming days depending on wind and weather.

Shahzad Sahil

Shahzad Sahil is the editor of lahorejobs24.com, covering government jobs, private jobs, bank jobs, results and education news for Lahore and Punjab, with information verified from official sources.