No smog monitoring system in Faisalabad

FAISALABAD: One of Pakistan’s major industrial hub and the second largest city in Punjab by population, currently lacks a government operated air quality monitoring system to measure air pollution and smog levels.

With a population exceeding 9 million and thousands of factories that emit smoke and discharge chemical-laden wastewater, air pollution in Faisalabad has become a critical issue.

A few years ago, the district administration announced plans to install air quality monitors at five locations across the city. However, only two monitors were set up, one at the Chenab Club and another at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce.

Due to worsening smog conditions, the air quality monitor at Chenab Club has since been removed, and the one at the Chamber of Commerce is currently inactive.

Until recently, when the Chenab Club monitor was operational, it recorded an air quality index (AQI) between 250 and 300, indicating highly hazardous air conditions.

At present, government agencies, the media, and residents rely on a single international monitor, which often experiences technical issues.

Consequently, much of Faisalabad’s air quality data is based on estimates and rarely reflects the true severity of the smog. The rising intensity of air pollution in Faisalabad is evident from the thick haze blanketing the city.

Within the iconic Clock Tower area, visibility is so poor that the tower is barely visible from just a few meters away. Pedestrians and office workers alike experience eye irritation even indoors, underscoring the need for immediate and reliable air quality monitoring solutions.