Tech Desk 
Sep 27, 2025
The government of Punjab has introduced Pakistan's first Air Quality Forecast System, an unprecedented initiative aimed at reducing pollution and providing up-to-date air quality predictions for residents of major cities, including Lahore and Faisalabad.
Under this scheme, the system would provide weekly public reports forecasting both weather and pollution levels, which would assist the authorities to establish anti-smog measures while at the same time allowing the citizens to take pre-emptive actions during high pollution periods.
In her remarks at the launch event, Provincial Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the system combines real-time air quality monitoring with advanced science models and is guided by international principles. It will act in accordance with system air quality indices and will also meet local demands.
She further added that the system will be fully integrated with systems such as Windy and extended European forecast modes.
Currently, 41 modern air quality monitoring stations are operating across Punjab, and officials said the government intends to expand the total operational air quality monitoring stations to 100 stations in the near future.
Furthermore, they said the system will not only forecast pollution levels but will also forecast health protection advisories, in particular for risk groups such as children, the elderly and people with respiratory illnesses.
Aurangzeb stressed that the project will strengthen the scientific basis for policy-making under Punjab’s Smog Control Plan, which includes cracking down on crop residue burning, reducing vehicular and industrial emissions, and strictly enforcing environmental regulations.
She urged the public to cooperate with the government’s efforts, warning of the dangers of smog exposure. “During smog episodes, children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory illnesses should take extra precautions and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure,” she advised.
