Faraz Saeed

LAHORE: Behind the glass walls of Lahore&rsquo;s Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, dozens of aircraft are tracked every minute across glowing radar screens. An unseen choreography that keeps Pakistan&rsquo;s busiest air corridors moving safely. During a rare, exclusive visit granted to Pakistan TV Digital, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) opened the doors of this high-security facility, offering an unusual look at how advanced technology and trained professionals safeguard millions of passengers each year. Inside the tower at Allama Iqbal International Airport, air traffic controllers work around the clock, monitoring aircraft on the ground and in controlled airspace, managing takeoffs, landings, and taxiing movements with precision timing and constant communication. &ldquo;Air traffic control is responsible for the safety of passengers and flights from embarking to disembarking,&rdquo; said Muhammad Ahsan Rasheed, Chief Air Traffic Control Officer, in an interview with Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;From the moment an aircraft starts moving until it completes its journey, ATC remains responsible for maintaining safe separation and smooth operations.&rdquo; One of the most critical systems in operation at Lahore airport is its Category-III Instrument Landing System (CAT-III ILS), among the most advanced landing technologies in commercial aviation. CAT-III enables aircraft to land safely in extremely low or even zero visibility, a frequent challenge in northern Pakistan during winter fog and smog seasons. &ldquo;ILS has different categories, and Lahore&rsquo;s ATC tower is equipped with the latest Category-III system,&rdquo; Ahsan explained. &ldquo;This allows aircraft to land even when pilots cannot see the runway at all.&rdquo; But landing an aircraft is only part of the equation. What happens after touchdown In zero-visibility conditions, pilots may be unable to see runway exits, taxiways or other aircraft. To mitigate this risk, Lahore ATC also relies on Surface Movement Radar (SMR), a ground surveillance system that tracks every aircraft and authorized vehicle on the airfield in real time. &ldquo;CAT-III allows the aircraft to land without visibility, but what happens after landing is equally important,&rdquo; Ahsan said. &ldquo;Surface Movement Radar shows us the exact position of aircraft and vehicles, helping prevent runway incursions and ensuring safe ground movement.&rdquo; Beyond ILS and SMR, Lahore airport is supported by a comprehensive suite of navigation technologies, including Non-Directional Beacons (NDB), VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) systems, and Required Navigation Performance (RNP). A satellite-based system that improves flight accuracy, fuel efficiency, and route flexibility. Air traffic control operations are divided into specialized units, Ahsan noted. The control tower manages ground movements, while radar and approach units oversee aircraft in the surrounding airspace, maintaining safe distances and sequencing arrivals and departures. The integration of CAT-III ILS, SMR, and advanced navigation systems reflects the Pakistan Airports Authority&rsquo;s broader modernization drive, aimed at bringing major airports in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Through sustained investment in technology and human capital, Lahore&rsquo;s ATC operation demonstrates how complex systems and highly trained professionals work together to ensure safety, often under challenging environmental conditions. This rare access inside Lahore&rsquo;s ATC tower reveals a side of Pakistan&rsquo;s aviation sector seldom seen: quiet, technical, and relentlessly focused on safety, where every decision, every radar sweep, and every radio call helps keep the country&rsquo;s skies secure.

Economy

Pakistan TV Digital gets a rare, exclusive look inside Lahore’s air traffic control tower, revealing advanced technology and skilled controllers safeguarding Pakistan’s skies under challenging visibility conditions.

Inside Lahore ATC: Rare tower access reveals Pakistan’s aviation backbone

LAHORE: At first glance, it looks like the lobby of a five-star hotel. Plush seating, carefully curated d&eacute;cor, and a calm, exclusive atmosphere, nothing about the space immediately signals an airport facility. Yet this is not a luxury hotel.&nbsp; It is the newly inaugurated State Lounge at Allama Iqbal International Airport, developed to cater exclusively to state guests, dignitaries, and VIPs. The lounge has been designed as part of a wider effort to modernize protocol facilities and align Pakistan&rsquo;s aviation infrastructure with international standards.&nbsp; Officials say the objective is clear: provide a secure, efficient, and dignified environment for high-level engagements without disrupting regular airport operations. One of the defining features of the State Lounge is its ability to host up to 60 guests at a time, allowing multiple delegations to be accommodated simultaneously.&nbsp; This capacity, officials note, ensures smoother handling of official visits while maintaining privacy and security protocols. Beyond seating, the facility includes its own dedicated pantry, enabling seamless hospitality services, and a fully functional meeting room, allowing official discussions to take place within the airport premises, along with a separate room for high-level delegation, separate from the main hall of the lounge.&nbsp; These additions are aimed at reducing logistical delays and offering a self-contained protocol environment. Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) Additional Director&nbsp;Kashif Sarwar described the facility as &ldquo;royal in its outlook,&rdquo; adding that comparable spaces are found at major airports in leading Western cities. He said that aircraft carrying dignitaries are connected directly to the aerobridge, which leads straight into the lobby adjoining the State Lounge, ensuring convenience and secure movement, adding that dedicated desks have been established within the lounge to facilitate a smooth immigration process. Kashif Sarwar noted that the renovation work was completed in record time. The renovated State Lounge was formally inaugurated on Jan. 16 by former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif, along with Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Following the inauguration, the dignitaries toured the facility to review the completed renovation work.&nbsp; Defense Secretary Muhammad Ali welcomed the guests, while Director General Pakistan Airports Authority Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed briefed attendees on the broader airport upgradation project. According to the briefing, the renovation extended beyond the State Lounge itself. Key areas, including the Ravi Lounge, entrance lobby, main hall, and other sections, were reconstructed and upgraded as part of the scheme.

State Lounge is one element of a larger strategy to improve passenger services, protocol handling, and infrastructure standards at major airports across the country, a move they believe is essential as Pakistan looks to enhance its aviation footprint.

A Five-Star welcome: Lahore airport’s new State Lounge

LAHORE: In the heart of Lahore, beyond the ceaseless motion of the modern city, lies a world shaped by water, stone and imperial imagination.&nbsp; The Shalimar Gardens, commissioned in 1641 by Emperor Shah Jahan, stand today not merely as relics of the Mughal era but as a testament to a vision that sought to translate paradise into geometry and fragrance. Its inspiration came from farther north, from the famed Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir built by Shah Jahan&rsquo;s father, Emperor Jahangir, in 1620.&nbsp; Enamored by their serenity, Shah Jahan longed for a similar retreat in Lahore, an intimate enclave for the royal family and select courtiers. What followed was an ambitious undertaking involving Khalilullah Khan, Ali Mardan Khan and Mulla Alaul Maulk Tuni, who oversaw the creation of an eighty-acre masterpiece at the considerable cost of six hundred thousand rupees.&nbsp; In just eighteen months, under their watchful eyes, the garden took shape along a precise north&ndash;south axis, forming one of the grandest expressions of Mughal landscape art. Shalimar was conceived as a place where nature, architecture and leisure would merge so seamlessly that the boundaries between them would seem to disappear.&nbsp; As visitors enter, they step into a cosmos arranged in three descending terraces, each designed to represent a different aspect of the Mughal concept of paradise.&nbsp; The upper terrace, Farah Baksh, the &ldquo;Bestower of Pleasure,&rdquo; was once reserved exclusively for the emperor and his household. From here, Shah Jahan could stroll in moonlit stillness, surveying the garden stretched below like an earthly constellation.&nbsp; This level housed the Naqqar Khana, where ceremonial drums once announced imperial arrivals; the Aramgah, the emperor&rsquo;s resting place with its marble dado and central cup-shaped fountain; the Lahori and Dehli gates that oriented the garden toward the two great cities; and the Aiwan, a hall overlooking the marble cascades, adorned long ago with frescoes and paneling.&nbsp; With the passage of time and changing eras, alterations were made, including the removal of marble screens by Ranjit Singh for use in the Golden Temple; the Aiwan remains a dignified reminder of the refined gatherings and state receptions it once hosted. Descending to the middle terrace, Faiz Baksh&mdash;the &ldquo;Bestower of Goodness&rdquo;&mdash;visitors encounter the garden&rsquo;s architectural heart. Here stands the Baradari, a twelve-door pavilion that seems to float upon the surrounding pool, creating a mesmerizing interplay of reflection, water and light.&nbsp; In the Sawan Bhadun pavilion nearby, the Mughals once placed lamps in intricately carved alcoves so that flames flickered before the running fountain waters, producing a spectacle of glimmering light that captivated guests.&nbsp;The royal hammam on the same level, illuminated through ceiling apertures that also aided ventilation, preserves Mughal-era frescoes and traces of its original hypocaust system, though much of it was later covered with marble and cement when the structure was repurposed for offices.&nbsp; Even today, the bathhouse offers glimpses of its former opulence, where sunlight, steam and scent once mingled in carefully crafted sensual harmony. The lowest terrace, Hayat Baksh&mdash;the &ldquo;Bestower of Life&rdquo;&mdash;thrums with the garden&rsquo;s most elemental energy. Here, water, breeze and earth converge in a tranquil symphony.&nbsp; Courtiers and guests once wandered these paths in the evenings, lulled by the calming cadence of flowing channels.&nbsp; The hydraulic system that animates Shalimar remains one of its greatest marvels. Fed by the Shah Nahar, also known as the Hansti canal, drawn from a distant location engineered by Ali Mardan Khan, the garden hosts an astonishing 410 fountains: 105 on the upper terrace, 152 on the middle and 153 on the lower.&nbsp; The rhythmic jets rise from marble-lined basins, creating soothing sounds and delicate mists, while long rectangular reflecting pools capture perfect images of trees, pavilions and sky. These waterworks embody the Persian and Islamic symbolism of gardens as metaphors for paradise: lush, symmetrical and alive. Botanical life played an equally essential role in the garden&rsquo;s design. Rows of cypress trees symbolized eternity, while fruit-bearing trees&mdash;almond, apple, cherry, mango, mulberry, peach, plum, quince and others&mdash;were planted for shade, texture and fragrance. Together with meticulously arranged flower beds, the flora transformed Shalimar into a sensory haven where color, scent and rustling leaves softened the bold geometry of the architecture. Terraced pavilions and gateways framed the views, creating a layered vista that shifted subtly with every step, just as the Mughals intended. Time, however, brought changes. Empires fell, eras shifted and the garden witnessed periods of neglect and alteration. Yet Shalimar endured. Its significance was formally recognized in 1981 when UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its outstanding universal value and celebrating it as a culminating achievement of Mughal landscape artistry. Restoration efforts over the decades have sought to safeguard its fragile blend of waterworks, masonry and horticulture. A new chapter began in June 2023, when the Government of Punjab transferred administration of the garden to the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority. Under this stewardship, Shalimar has found renewed vitality. The authority now manages conservation, cultural programming, night tours, exhibitions and performances that allow the garden to be experienced as it once was&mdash;alive with music, movement and light.&nbsp; Today, visitors can make use of modern facilities, including parking, trained guides, electric golf carts, instant photography services, caf&eacute;s, souvenir shops and well-maintained washrooms. Surrounding attractions such as the Gulabi Bagh Gateway, Budu Ka Awa, the Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan and the Tomb of Khan-e-Jahan Zafar Jang Kokaltash add further layers of historical intrigue. Evening holds a special charm. As the sun sets and the WCLA lights illuminate marble pavilions, the gardens seem to awaken into its royal past.&nbsp; Fountains shimmer, dancers perform as they once might have before emperors, and shadows stretch across the terraces like soft echoes of another time. In these moments, Shalimar becomes more than a heritage site; it becomes a living narrative.&nbsp;Water continues to glide through its ancient channels, footsteps still resonate along the pathways, and under the quiet hush of night, the garden whispers its stories of royalty, artistry, devotion and the eternal human desire to shape beauty from the world.

Culture

In the heart of Lahore, beyond the ceaseless motion of the modern city, lies a world shaped by water, stone and imperial imagination. Shalimar Gardens, built by Shah Jahan in 1641, remain a Mughal masterpiece of terraces, fountains and symbolism. Restored under new management, night tours revive its royal history.

Shalimar Gardens: Where water, marble and moonlight tell Lahore’s oldest stories

LAHORE: There&rsquo;s a particular magic in Lahore after sunset, just before the city lights flicker on, when the walls of Lahore Fort seem to inhale. Standing near the Roshnai Gate at that hour, I felt as if the centuries were leaning into a whisper. The Walled City of Lahore Authority&rsquo;s &ldquo;History by Night&rdquo; tour promised a journey through time, and it delivered. Our small group gathered by the British-era Roshnai Gate, murmurings blending with the scent of damp stone and blooming jasmines. Questions floated: &ldquo;Is this the original gate?&rdquo; &ldquo;What year was it rebuilt?&rdquo; There was palpable anticipation: tonight, Sheesh Mahal would open its doors to the night sky. Then, suddenly, the darbaan appeared, the king&rsquo;s guard, his voice rolling across the courtyard. The gates swung open ceremoniously, nudging us into the past. The moment reminded me of illustrations from Mughal chronicles, where courtiers awaited royal processions in poised silence. We paused at Allama Iqbal&rsquo;s mausoleum. At night, it seemed contemplative, softened by shadow. Behind it, the Badshahi Mosque glowed from within, Aurangzeb&rsquo;s vision luminous under the moonlight. Even centuries-old sandstone and marble took on a new vitality in darkness. A short walk brought us to Hazoori Bagh. The marble baradari at its center, Ranjit Singh&rsquo;s celebration of his Koh-i-Noor acquisition, gleamed in gentle white light. From afar, it seemed fragile; up close, it was resolute. Stone weathered by time, yet full of pride.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/e39046c1-33f0-4038-b4c8-9c75f0da7d2b-15-11-25 H.00_14_36_15.Still004 (1).jpg" alt="15-11-25 H.00_14_36_15.Still004 (1).jpg" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">The Lahore Fort during the Walled City of Lahore Authority&rsquo;s &ldquo;History by Night&rdquo; tour on November 2, 2025.</figcaption></figure> Alamgiri Gate loomed next. Even with repeated visits, its scale stilled the crowd. Cameras rose instinctively. A child tugged her mother&rsquo;s sleeve. History was no longer in books; it was breathing around us. The Picture Wall glimmered, telling silent stories of artisans who had once traced its panels with brush and gold. Nearby, craftsmen displayed wares reflecting Lahore&rsquo;s layered history. Visitors climbed onto rickshaws and wooden carts. The very routes once trodden by royal elephants. The air smelled of nostalgia, damp stone, and faint attar. By the time we reached Barood Khana, the old British ammunition depot, the night had fully claimed us. Then it happened: the performance began. Drums thundered. Swords clashed. A Kathak dancer spun so quickly her mirrors scattered sparks of light. Sufi performers, Sikh martial artists, Mughal-era daasiyaan. All came together in a living kaleidoscope of traditions, stitched carefully by the WCLA to awaken history.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/f2a7f014-2d68-4e39-a337-5c29e497d5af-15-11-2025.00_15_35_05.Still008.jpg" alt="15-11-2025.00_15_35_05.Still008.jpg" style="width: 380px;" class="fr-dib fr-fil"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">Dancers perform at Lahore Fort during the Walled City of Lahore Authority&rsquo;s &ldquo;History by Night&rdquo; tour on November 2, 2025.</figcaption></figure> Inside Sheesh Mahal, mirrors multiplied the magic, no LED, no projection, no modern trickery. Just light, reflection, and the genius of Mughal imagination. The Emperor arrived (an actor, yes, but so convincingly that children and adults stared wide-eyed). Music swelled; the court breathed once again. The tour ended in the fort kitchen with refreshments. Music softened, visitors lingered, unwilling to leave. This, perhaps, is the WCLA&rsquo;s greatest triumph: transforming Lahore&rsquo;s heritage from static museum pieces into living companions. 2024 alone brought new tours: Roshan Galiyan, the Yatra Sikh heritage walk, hidden fort corners, old havelis, museum mysteries, and even &ldquo;Fort Fright,&rdquo; a historical horror tour. More than 5.3 million Pakistanis visited Lahore Fort last year, alongside over 80,000 foreign tourists. A remarkable achievement for a country often misunderstood abroad. Jahangir&rsquo;s Tomb, Shalimar Gardens, and the Walled City itself saw throngs, proof that history is alive and calling.

Blogs

In centuries-old stories, Lahore Fort comes alive at night. Mirrors, music, and performances revive Mughal, Sikh, and Sufi traditions, immersing visitors in history’s living spectacle.

Lahore Fort night tour: Echoes of kings, mirrors, music, memory

LAHORE: As winter settles over Lahore, the city&rsquo;s chai (tea) culture comes alive, turning ordinary evenings into warm, aromatic celebrations. From Gulberg to Johar Town, chai caf&eacute;s glow with laughter, music, and steaming cups of tradition. &ldquo;Matka [clay cups] chai is outstanding, especially in winter! I come here every day with my friends,&rdquo; says Bilal, a regular visitor in his 20s, during an interview with Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;The atmosphere is amazing, with Qawwali and all, we really enjoy it here.&rdquo; At Chaye Hujra, the scent of simmering spices blends with the soft rhythm of qawwali. Owner Irfan says, &ldquo;We serve special Matka Chai, along with Zafrani and Kashmiri Chai. The most loved one is our Tandoori Matka Chai. With qawwali, bonfires, and laughter, winter nights here are always full of life.&rdquo; Matkas cradle centuries of flavor, aroma, and shared tradition, turning each sip into a small celebration. Steam rises, music flows, and Lahore&rsquo;s chai caf&eacute;s become the city&rsquo;s winter stage, where friends gather and stories are shared. Pakistan&rsquo;s love for chai spans millions, placing it among the world&rsquo;s highest-consuming nations of the beloved beverage. For many Lahoris, winter is synonymous with a steaming cup of chai, a simple yet cherished moment of warmth amid the crisp evening air.

 From Gulberg to Johar Town, clay cups cradle centuries of tradition, making winter evenings warm, aromatic, and full of life.

As winter descends, Lahore warms with clay cups of chai

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Punjab&rsquo;s worsening air quality has turned into a public health emergency, with Lahore, the provincial capital, consistently ranking among the world&rsquo;s most polluted cities. But what are the main causes? Rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and unregulated transportation growth have pushed fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels to nearly 10 times Pakistan&rsquo;s legal limit, making clean air a rare commodity for its 15 million residents. PM 2.5 is particulate matter, particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or smaller in the air. These are considered the most dangerous airborne pollutants because they are small enough to penetrate the bloodstream and are linked to various diseases, including cardiovascular problems and lung cancer. While PM2.5 is the most serious air quality issue, levels of other air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, also exceed international safety guidelines. &nbsp; Satellite data from the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS) show that Lahore&rsquo;s air has remained &ldquo;unhealthy&rdquo; or &ldquo;very unhealthy&rdquo; for much of the past decade, with winter smog now an annual crisis. Sources of pollutionAccording to the Urban Unit&#39;s 2023 Sectoral Emissions Inventory and the World Bank&#39;s 2025 Program Information Document (PID), urban activity is the primary cause of air pollution in Punjab, accounting for around 75% of total emissions, with natural sources accounting for the remaining 25%. The urban proportion of the population has increased from 82% to 100%, during 1998-2017 in Lahore. <img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/3cde0d83-3789-4d22-9bf7-29ec4b2bda48.png" style="width: 527px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Figure 1: Urban Sprawl in Lahore District ( Sectoral Emissions Inventory of Lahore) According to the data, the leading sources of PM2.5 pollution are: - The combustion of solid fuels for cooking and heating: (23% of residential emissions).- Transport (16%): car exhaust and road dust.- Industries and brick kilns (16%): especially cement, steel, and textile production.- Agriculture and livestock (13%): crop residue burning, fertiliser, and manure.- Municipal rubbish burning (7%): involves open dumping and flames. <img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/835d1259-93de-44e2-a5a3-d547769eab97.png" style="width: 605px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Figure 2: Visual mind map&nbsp; Residential and transport emissions in Greater Lahore have increased by 28% and 24%, respectively. Lahore&rsquo;s roads remain congested, with more than 7.4 million registered vehicles, 82% of them two-wheelers. The city operates only 27 kilometres of metro line and about 250 public buses, far short of the 4,000 required by 2026, the Punjab Mass Transit Authority reported. Does bordering with Delhi play a role?Yes, seasonally. Transboundary effects of air pollution are significant. According to the World Bank, 53% of PM2.5 in Punjab comes from within the province, 9% from adjacent provinces, and 13% from across the border. Satellite data from CAMS and Reuters reporting suggest that stubble burning in northwestern India and northern Pakistan produces smoke plumes that worsen winter smog. However, inventories reveal that although cross-border smoke contributes only occasionally, local transportation, industrial, and residential emissions contribute to poor air quality year-round.&nbsp; Regulations, law &amp; enforcementThe Punjab government has implemented many policies, including the 2017 Smog Control Policy, the 2023 Clean Air Policy, and the 2024 Smog Mitigation Action Plan. These address emissions from transportation, agriculture, and industry while encouraging behavioural change and citizen engagement. <img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/048a1983-c034-4873-a8e4-5fadd3e04446.jpg" style="width: 577px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Source: Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP) According to the Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD), the province is expanding its air quality monitoring network by installing reference stations and low-cost sensors to ensure real-time transparency. Hundreds of brick kilns have been sealed for noncompliance, and enterprises must install emission-control equipment. At the federal level, the Ministry of Climate Change and the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency are implementing Euro fuel requirements, periodic vehicle inspections, and scrappage programs for old diesel fleets. Agricultural burning prohibitions are supported by subsidies for equipment such as the &quot;Happy Seeder,&quot; which allows farmers to avoid stubble burning. On transport, the Punjab government has set up 27 e-buses in Lahore, with 500 more planned for the FY25 Annual Development Plan. The World Bank believes that e-buses might reduce PM2.5 emissions by up to 88% compared to diesel cars. These new measures are a major institutional step forward, indicating a more effective, coordinated strategy for monitoring air quality across the province. According to the World Bank&#39;s 2025 Program Information Document, Punjab has long suffered from &quot;the absence of systematic air quality management capacity,&quot; which these reforms now aim to address. Awareness and social responsibilityTo involve citizens directly in the fight against smog, the EPD developed the Green Punjab App, which allows users to report unlawful burning and file environmental complaints directly with the authorities, while the EcoBot platform provides real-time air quality data and health alerts.&nbsp; The Punjab Disaster Management Authority and EPD have also launched public awareness programs encouraging locals to decrease their usage of solid fuels, report infractions, and promote public transport. The United Nations Development Programme defines empowerment as enabling people to make informed choices that shape their own communities. In Punjab&rsquo;s case, this means equipping citizens with reliable data, accountability mechanisms, and access to clean alternatives. Pakistan&#39;s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned that this year&rsquo;s smog should be treated as a &ldquo;public health threat,&rdquo; urging households to adopt indoor air-filtration measures as part of a layered protection strategy. The National Institute of Health has cautioned that hazardous smog spells will continue across eastern Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan. In its 2025 advisory, the NDMA recommended using air purifiers in frequently occupied rooms, sealing windows, avoiding non-essential travel, and wearing N95 or KN95 masks outdoors. The NDMA also suggested a low-cost alternative: natural air-purifying indoor plants, such as snake plants or spider plants, to improve indoor air quality. While not a replacement for HEPA filtration, they provide additional relief for families unable to afford high-end purifiers. The worsening smog has increased public attention on indoor air quality, particularly among parents and individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses. Government advisories continue to emphasize precautionary measures indoors and outdoors while broader, long-term efforts focus on emissions regulation, improved monitoring and seasonal preparedness. Ultimately, the province&#39;s efforts serve as a starting point rather than a solution, highlighting the need for continuous enforcement and regional collaboration to achieve lasting improvements in air quality.

Climate & Environment

Health

Punjab’s smog crisis stems from rapid urbanization, vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and stubble burning. Efforts to improve air quality and public health include clean air policies, citizen reporting apps, and electric transport initiatives.

What’s polluting Punjab’s air?

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;High pollution levels and smog in Pakistan&rsquo;s Punjab province during the winter months have become a continuing challenge for the administration in the last decade. Over the years, Punjab has implemented a comprehensive provincial framework, including specialized agencies and programs such as the Punjab Clean Air Program, to combat smog and improve air quality. There are several organizations under the Punjab government responsible for ensuring the environment remains clean.&nbsp;These include the following: Environment Protection &amp; Climate Change Department, Government of Punjab (EP&amp;CCD Punjab)According to the provincial department&rsquo;s website, the &ldquo;Environment Protection Department, Punjab created Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which is responsible for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment; the prevention and control of pollution and promotion of sustainable development in the province.&rdquo;<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/0ef7d3c2-3452-4209-a33e-922daf0a9a1d-Lahore 1.jpg" alt="Lahore 1.jpg" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">LAHORE: People visit a park amid dense smog in Lahore on October 28, 2025. -- Photo by AFP</figcaption></figure> &ldquo;EPA sustains qualitative and quantitative standards for the discharge of effluents, wastes, air emissions or noise either for general applicability or for a particular area or from a particular source in the form of Punjab Environmental Quality Standards (PEQS) and other standards established under the laws, rules and regulations,&rdquo; according to its website. The sections working under the department include: a complaint cell, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), environmental laboratories, and a Directorate of Environmental Health, Dengue Control, and Hazardous Waste. Other separate sections within the department include implementation, legal aspects, research and investigation, and technology transfer. Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP)The Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP) is a flagship initiative by the Government of Punjab, supported by the World Bank.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/affb0a35-c344-47c8-ad4e-14b5c8067326-Lahore 2.jpg" alt="Lahore 2.jpg" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">LAHORE: A man exercises in a park amid dense smog in Lahore on October 29, 2025. -- Photo by AFP</figcaption></figure> According to the program&#39;s website, &quot;It aims to reduce ambient air pollution &mdash; especially PM2.5 &mdash; by addressing emission sources in the transport, agriculture, and industrial sectors. PCAP also includes behavioral change programs, capacity building, and regulatory reforms aligned with national climate and environmental strategies.&quot; The objectives of the program, which runs from April 2025 to June 2030, include: strengthening air quality management (AQM), reducing PM2.5 exposure in Lahore Division, implementing sustainable transport and agricultural practices, and empowering citizens through awareness and behavior change. The executing agencies of the program are the Planning and Development Board, Punjab, and the Transport and Mass Transit Department. Transport and Mass Transit Department&nbsp;According to its website, the department&#39;s mission is to ensure &ldquo;safe, affordable, and environment-friendly transport for the people of Punjab.&rdquo; Some of the initiatives of the department that are in progress include: Punjab Green Development Program (PGDP), Chief Minister&rsquo;s Interest Free Electric-Taxi scheme, Air Punjab, Induction of Eco-Friendly Buses in Cities of Punjab (DLI-6 PGDP), Third Party Monitoring of Vehicle Inspection and Certification System, and Procurement of Portable Automobile Emission Analyzer Devices for On-field Checking of Smoke Emitting Vehicles in Punjab.&nbsp; Establishment of Vehicles Testing Lab (PRSA), Development of Urban Bus Depot and Allied Infrastructure for Electric Buses in Lahore under the Punjab Clean Air Program (P-CAP) by the World Bank, and Feasibility and Seed Money for the Establishment of Air Punjab are also in progress. Other initiatives of the department focus on reducing pollution levels, including the Induction of eco-friendly buses in Rajanpur, Gujrat, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions.&nbsp;

Over the years, Punjab has implemented a comprehensive provincial framework, including specialized agencies and programs such as the Punjab Clean Air Program, to combat smog and improve air quality.

Pakistan's Punjab strengthens multi-tier framework to curb smog and pollution

&nbsp;ISLAMABAD: The air quality of the National Capital Region (NCR) of India, Delhi, plummeted on the occasion of Diwali on Tuesday. The use of firecrackers with little check usually results in a spike in air pollution every year during Diwali celebrations.&nbsp;This year has been no different. According to the Swiss global air quality monitoring company, IQAir, Delhi&rsquo;s air quality index (AQI) touched 772 after the Diwali celebrations, the highest of any city in the world.&nbsp; AQI values above 300 are considered a public health emergency, when everyone is at risk of experiencing serious health effects, and should avoid all physical activity outdoors. The spike in air pollution also has an impact on other cities in the region, including Lahore in Pakistan, which IQAir listed as the world&#39;s second most polluted city.&nbsp; Sajid Bashir, spokesperson for the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in Pakistan, while speaking to Pakistan TV Digital on Tuesday, said, &ldquo;Winds blowing from New Delhi and other parts of India at a speed of up to 7 kilometers per hour are moving toward Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.&quot;<div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8fZyiTo6qi8" title="Punjab government deploys anti-smog guns across Lahore to combat pollution" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"></iframe>&nbsp;</div>&quot;Similarly, the southern districts of Multan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar will also be affected due to pollutants crossing the border in the wake of Diwali festivities that feature fireworks,&rdquo; he added. <figure><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/d315d3ef-453d-42e0-a459-f1d613845701-AQI--.jpg" alt="AQI--.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><figcaption>Photo: IQAir&#39;s website</figcaption></figure>Diwali, which literally means &ldquo;row of lights,&rdquo; is a Hindu celebration of the triumph of light over darkness.&nbsp; Traditionally, it has been marked by the lighting of earthen lamps and candles.&nbsp; The use of firecrackers has, over the years, become a predominant part of celebrations, raising concerns about contributing to pollution and worsening air quality, according to an Indian media report. The territory that covers the Indian capital, New Delhi, consistently remains among the most polluted cities in the world, especially during the winter season. The smog and air pollution also usually have an impact on cities and towns in neighboring Pakistan. &nbsp; &lsquo;Very poor&rsquo; air qualityThe Diwali celebrations have apparently adversely impacted the air quality in multiple cities, among other likely factors.&nbsp; According to the Indian Central Pollution Control Board&rsquo;s post shared on the social media platform X on Monday, at least 36 cities of India were categorized under &ldquo;poor&rdquo; to &ldquo;very poor&rdquo; air quality. &nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-4" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 921px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-4&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1980238542065566131&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fdashboard%2F&sessionId=76442ff8a65ece78e2641ab07323ba54ea4f092d&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>&nbsp;Noise and air pollution&nbsp;Another recent Indian media report highlighted the toll it takes on pets and the trauma they face because of the constant loud noise of the crackers.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-5" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 920px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-5&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1980209285629157625&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fdashboard%2F&sessionId=76442ff8a65ece78e2641ab07323ba54ea4f092d&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>The use of firecrackers, which are a cause of noise and air pollution, became part of urban celebrations only after the independence of India and became an integral part of Diwali by the 1980s, according to Indian media. A ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR area was first imposed in 2014-15 by the Indian Supreme Court. However, &ldquo;enforcement challenges and lack of public compliance have always prevailed,&rdquo; the Indian media admits. -- With additional input from our correspondent in Lahore.

India

Diwali has been traditionally celebrated by lighting lamps and candles; the use of firecrackers contributes to air pollution every year; Indian media reports cites enforcement challenges and lack of public compliance with regulations as a contributing factor. 

Indian capital Delhi’s air quality nosedives post Diwali celebrations

LAHORE: Step through a 400-year-old Mughal gateway, and you enter a world where history and flavor intertwine. Lahore&rsquo;s Fort Road Food Street, nestled between the iconic Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, is more than just a culinary destination &mdash; it&rsquo;s a vibrant celebration of the city&rsquo;s rich heritage and bold tastes. Situated in the heart of the Walled City, once the seat of the Mughal Empire, the street comes alive every evening. The air fills with the scent of sizzling seekh kebabs, fiery chargha, and sweet jalebis. Lanterns flicker overhead as rooftop restaurants buzz with the clatter of plates and laughter. &ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t just food, it&rsquo;s history,&rdquo; says a local chef who has been grilling at the same stall since the street&rsquo;s revival in 2012. His menu reads like a love letter to Lahori cuisine, featuring reshmi kebabs, malai boti, takka tak, mutton chaamp, and more. Foreign visitors come for the food but stay for the atmosphere, drawn to the street&rsquo;s timeless charm. Fort Road Food Street has become a cultural landmark. Diplomats, travel vloggers, and expatriates frequent its rooftops, eager to sample authentic Pakistani fare with a stunning view. Professor Muhammad Suzuri from Malaysia described the experience as &ldquo;a paradise of food beyond comprehension,&rdquo; captivated by the blend of Mughal architecture and culinary artistry. Returning Pakistani expatriates are often moved by the familiarity. One Australian visitor called it &ldquo;stepping back in time,&rdquo; praising the iconic Haveli restaurant for preserving the flavors and ambiance of a bygone era. Behind the food lies a thriving economy. The street provides hundreds of jobs, from chefs and servers to waiters balancing trays on rooftops in the evening breeze. Local businesses prosper, tourism flourishes, and Lahore&rsquo;s famed hospitality takes center stage. Haveli, the street&rsquo;s crown jewel, can host up to 800 guests and serves both traditional and continental dishes. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve hosted diplomats from the US, China, and Korea,&rdquo; says manager Hamza. &ldquo;They all agree: this is where you taste Pakistan.&rdquo; As dusk falls and the call to prayer echoes from the mosque, Fort Road Food Street offers more than a meal. It offers a memory &mdash; a place where the past is savored, and the soul of Lahore is served on every plate.

In eastern Pakistan, centuries-old Mughal charm blends with bold local flavors, drawing tourists, diplomats, and food lovers to a rooftop-dining haven beside the iconic Badshahi Mosque.

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