Lahore: The Punjab government has launched Pakistan’s first state-of-the-art Air Quality Forecast System, aimed at providing real-time pollution forecasts and weather updates for major cities, starting with Lahore and Faisalabad.
The system will issue weekly public reports on air quality, enabling citizens and authorities to take timely measures against smog and other environmental risks. It will integrate real-time monitoring data with international platforms such as Windy and European forecast models, ensuring accuracy in line with global standards while addressing local requirements.
Provincial Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, speaking at the inauguration, said the initiative will not only provide forecasts but also deliver health advisories, especially for children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory illnesses. “This system strengthens the scientific foundation of our Smog Control Plan and supports evidence-based policy-making,” she added.
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Punjab currently has 41 modern air quality monitoring stations, with plans to expand the network to 100 in the coming months. The forecasts will help track pollution levels caused by crop residue burning, vehicular and industrial emissions, and other sources, while guiding enforcement of environmental regulations.
Officials said the move marks a significant step in combating pollution and ensuring public health protection, particularly during peak smog seasons in Punjab.