The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a fog and smog alert, warning that Lahore and several plain districts across the province may experience severe air quality deterioration in the coming days.
According to PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia, districts including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh are likely to be affected by intense smog. Sahiwal, Layyah, Kot Addu, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Khanpur have also been placed on high-risk alert.
The PDMA has warned that visibility on roads may drop significantly, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.
Health risks highlighted as smog intensifies
DG Kathia noted that smog can lead to respiratory issues and other health complications. Children and the elderly, he said, are particularly vulnerable to smog-related illnesses and require extra precautions.
Authorities have urged the public to minimize outdoor exposure during peak smog hours and use protective masks when necessary.
The PDMA has directed district administrations across Punjab to ensure full implementation of the government’s smog-prevention measures. Officials have been instructed to strictly monitor compliance and take action against any negligence or irresponsibility.
DG Kathia emphasized that a crackdown must also be initiated against vehicles and factories emitting excessive smoke.
Bans and legal action to control pollution
The PDMA reiterated that burning solid waste, tires, plastic, polythene bags, rubber, leather, or crop residues is strictly prohibited.
Cases will be registered against individuals found burning crop residues or garbage.
The authority also warned that action will be taken against officers who fail to enforce anti-smog regulations effectively.
On Wednesday, the Met Department announced that neither rainfall nor snowfall is expected through November and December, with Pakistan’s dry winter shows no signs of easing.
Also Read: Met Dept warns of rainless Nov, Dec; dry winter deepens
As smog and fog intensify across the plains, officials warn that worsening air quality and water scarcity could create additional challenges.
Dry winter grips country
Cold weather has begun settling across Pakistan, but the long-awaited winter rains have yet to arrive. The dry conditions have also reached the upper regions, with no signs of snowfall in the northern areas.
Due to the persistent dryness, hospitals are seeing a growing influx of patients suffering from seasonal illnesses. The absence of precipitation continues to exacerbate both environmental and public health concerns.
Met Dept forecasts no rain or snowfall
According to the latest outlook from the Met Department, the country should not expect rain through the remainder of November and December. Officials say the weather will stay dry, cold, and marked by low temperatures.
Met Deputy Director Irfan Virk said smog and fog will remain widespread in the plains. He added that the prolonged dryness has increased pollution levels, particularly in regions where winter haze typically worsens.
Rising smog, fog across major regions
The Met Department anticipates thicker fog and smog formation in the coming days. Northeastern and southern Punjab are expected to see heavy early morning fog, while plains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are likely to face similar conditions.
In Islamabad, officials warn that smog and fog may disrupt transportation, lowering visibility and complicating travel. The department has also advised that air pollution poses serious risks to people with respiratory illnesses.
Experts emphasize the urgent need to use water reserves cautiously due to the lack of rainfall. They warn that without new precipitation, water shortages could worsen.
Irfan Virk noted that water in Tarbela and Mangla dams must be regulated more carefully because no new water will come from melting glaciers or snow during this dry spell.
Continuous monitoring for potential drought
Meteorological officials say they are closely monitoring the evolving weather situation. They assure that timely measures will be recommended if the country begins drifting toward drought-like conditions.
With winter progressing without rainfall, the call for conservation and preparedness has become increasingly critical for both officials and citizens.
