ISLAMABAD: Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday said Pakistan’s most populous province deployed satellites, drones and artificial intelligence to tackle smog, warning that industrial masks may become necessary if public attitudes toward air pollution did not change.

Punjab cities face worsening smog each winter, driven by crop burning, vehicle emissions and industrial pollution that threatens public health and daily life. The smog season typically begins in late October, peaks between November and January and can persist through February.

Smog causes symptoms such as sore throats, eye irritation and respiratory illnesses, while prolonged exposure raises the risk of stroke, heart disease and lung cancer. Children are more vulnerable due to higher breathing rates and weaker immune systems.

“We have the AI machine-learning forecasting system in place, surveillance drones and technology cameras,” Aurangzeb said while addressing an event.

“At present, what is considered one of the world’s best environmental protection forces — with training, equipment, technology and digitally integrated data — is operating in Punjab,” she added.

Aurangzeb said surveillance is now being carried out through drones.

“There is monitoring, technology, cameras,” she continued. “Everything is digital.”

The minister maintained the eastern corridor from India was a major source of smoke which becomes active during the winter season.

She said this was the first time a complete testing system was introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency to measure pollution released by vehicles.

She added the government has loaned 5,000 super seeders to farmers, which are agricultural machines that plant crops directly into fields without removing leftover stubble, reducing crop burning, and helping curb winter smog.

Aurangzeb warned the situation could reach a point where people may have to use industrial masks and carry therm around like a “purse or wallet.”

“This will become a mandatory item if we do not change our attitudes and habits toward air quality, climate and conservation.”

Pakistan’s main urban centers routinely rank among the most polluted cities in the world, with vehicular emissions remaining one of the top contributors to air pollution.

The severe air pollution also undermines economic productivity and diminishes the quality of life for millions of residents.