LAHORE: Pakistan’s Punjab on Monday launched new forecasting and satellite-based features for its real-time air quality dashboard, targeting smoke-emitting trucks, buses and other diesel-powered vehicles ahead of the winter smog season as authorities seek to curb pollution before its annual peak.


The move comes as the provincial environmental authorities shift their focus from reacting to deteriorating air quality to taking preventive measures before the onset of severe smog conditions.

In collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, the upgraded system combines readings from ground monitoring stations with satellite observations, weather data and pollution forecasts, according to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). 

Speaking at the launch, Nayyar Sheikh Abdullah, Director General of Punjab Environment Protection Agency, said that Punjab has 59 air-quality monitoring stations across the province, up from three stations in Lahore in 2024, with the government planning to increase the network to 100 stations.

According to the EPA, the system is intended to give government agencies earlier warnings of severe pollution episodes and help them decide where to deploy enforcement and other measures.


"The government is using fog cannons to suppress fugitive dust and increasing enforcement against other major sources of emissions," Sheikh added.

The enforcement campaign is expanded across the province, with the Punjab EPA teams directed to increase inspections on major roads, highways and at city entry points. 

According to EPA enforcement data, the EPA issued 1,745 vehicle traffic fines and impounded 621 vehicles in Lahore between May and August, imposing Rs4.483 million ($16,166) in fines for environmental violations.

The focus on heavy vehicles reflects concerns over poorly maintained diesel engines and exhaust systems, which can produce high levels of emissions in heavily congested urban areas.

Environment Protection and Climate Change Secretary Silwat Saeed called for preventive measures to be completed before air quality deteriorates.


The combination of expanded monitoring, forecasting and tougher enforcement is part of Punjab’s broader effort to act before winter weather traps pollutants over densely populated areas.

The measures reflect Punjab’s broader efforts to strengthen air-quality monitoring, improve forecasting and intensify enforcement against major sources of pollution ahead of the winter smog season.