Lahore AQI Hits 246: Vehicle Emissions in Focus

Lahore is seeing unhealthy air before the usual October-to-February smog window, and that is a warning sign for commuters, children, older people, and anyone who spends long hours on the road. According to a source report citing Punjab Environmental Protection Agency monitoring data, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 187 at 8am on September 22, before easing to 167 by 11am. Both readings fall in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range. For background, read our earlier coverage: Lahore Adds New EV Charger on Busy Road.

The city’s air was even worse in some areas. The same source report said Lahore’s seven-day peak had already reached 246, while different parts of the city showed sharply higher numbers than the overall average.

Worst readings were far above the city average

AQI can change from one neighborhood to another, and Lahore’s latest readings show that clearly. Locations with the highest numbers included:

• DHA Phase 6: 224

• Multan Road: 221

• Safari Park: 199

• GT Road: 196

• Shahdara: 192

These figures do not mean every part of Lahore had the same air quality at the same time. Traffic, road dust, weather, and nearby emissions can all push readings up or down by area.

For people with asthma, heart disease, or other breathing problems, even “unhealthy for sensitive groups” air can make outdoor activity harder. On days when readings rise, it is wise to cut down long outdoor exposure, especially during busy traffic hours.

Why vehicle emissions matter now

Vehicle exhaust is not the only source of Lahore’s pollution, but it is a major one. According to a source report citing World Bank analysis, transport is responsible for about 24% of PM2.5 pollution in Greater Lahore. That pollution load includes emissions from cars, motorcycles, heavy vehicles, and three-wheelers, along with road dust stirred up by traffic.

The city’s vehicle count helps explain why this is such a hard problem. The same source report said Lahore has about 7.4 million registered vehicles, with two-wheelers making up around 82% of that total. That means even small changes in engine condition, fuel use, and exhaust smoke can affect the wider air picture.

This is also why the problem is bigger than just private cars. Buses, vans, trucks, rickshaws, and motorcycles all add to roadside pollution, especially on crowded roads.

Remote scanners could bring more checks at road entry points

Punjab authorities are also preparing a new way to monitor emissions. According to a source report, they plan to install remote emission-scanning equipment at nine major Lahore entry points. The idea is to measure exhaust from moving vehicles without stopping every driver.

The equipment is expected to capture details such as:

• registration number

• speed

• acceleration

• emission readings

If a vehicle is flagged as a high emitter, it may be sent for further testing before any enforcement action is taken. That is still a proposal level step in the report, not a confirmed final enforcement schedule.

For drivers, this means smoke-emitting vehicles may face closer scrutiny in the months ahead. A related DrivePK report on the planned scanner setup is available here.

What motorists should do now

Lahore’s September readings suggest the smog season may start with pollution already at a worrying level. That makes vehicle upkeep more important now, not later.

Drivers should check for:

• visible exhaust smoke

• overdue tuning

• dirty air filters

• faulty injectors

• poor combustion

• damaged or removed emission-control parts

Motorcycle, rickshaw, car, van, bus, and truck owners should use qualified workshops and keep service records. Emission-control equipment should not be removed or disabled.

It is also smart to check official AQI updates before long trips, especially if children, older adults, or people with breathing conditions are traveling.

Lahore’s air will not improve through private maintenance alone, but reducing avoidable exhaust is one practical step drivers can take now.

For more updates, visit DrivePK.com