Islamabad, October 23, 2025 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a smog alert across the country, warning of deteriorating air quality and rising pollution levels over the coming days.
According to the PMD, smog, a combination of smoke and fog, typically develops from November to mid-December under stable and dry weather conditions. Current meteorological trends suggest that smog levels are likely to rise across Pakistan’s major urban centers due to persistent calm winds, low temperatures, and increased humidity.
The department cautioned that a concerning increase in smog levels could affect regions across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the eastern parts of Punjab—including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, and Khanpur—expected to experience the heaviest impact.
Experts attribute the growing smog threat to a combination of industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and unfavorable weather conditions, which hinder the dispersion of harmful particles and trap pollutants near the ground.
Health and Environmental Impacts
The PMD warned that worsening air quality could trigger an increase in respiratory illnesses, asthma attacks, and other pollution-related health issues. Vulnerable groups such as children, the old-age, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly at risk.
Additionally, reduced visibility caused by dense smog may lead to traffic disruptions, accidents, and interruptions to outdoor activities and daily life.
Authorities urge citizens to limit outdoor exposure, wear protective masks, and avoid unnecessary travel during high-smog periods.