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Malakwal is a city in Punjab, Pakistan, situated at coordinates 32.5531°N, 73.2067°E, with an elevation of approximately 200 meters above sea level, placing it within the fertile plains of the Punjab region. This urban centre lies in the heart of Pakistan's agricultural belt, surrounded by extensive farmlands that produce wheat, rice, and sugarcane, contributing to seasonal agricultural burning and dust from tilled fields. The city's location along the Jhelum River, about 15 kilometers to the east, provides some moisture but also exposes it to river valley fog and humidity that can trap pollutants. Malakwal's position in central Punjab places it within the broader urban-rural gradient of the province, where rapid urbanisation has increased vehicular emissions and construction dust, while its proximity to industrial zones in nearby cities like Sargodha and Gujrat adds transported industrial pollutants. The terrain is predominantly flat, with no significant natural barriers to disperse air pollution, allowing contaminants to accumulate under stagnant atmospheric conditions. This geographic setting, combined with its role as a regional market town, creates a complex air quality profile influenced by both local urban activities and regional agricultural practices, making particulate matter from dust and biomass burning a persistent concern throughout the year.

In Malakwal, air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by Punjab's continental climate. During winter (December to February), cold temperatures and frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbated by fog from the Jhelum River and agricultural residue burning, making these months the peak pollution period; sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activities, especially in mornings when fog is thickest. Spring (March to May) brings rising temperatures and increased wind, which helps disperse pollutants, though dust storms from dry farmlands can cause temporary spikes in particulate matter, making late spring generally more favourable for outdoor exertion. The summer monsoon (June to September) introduces heavy rainfall that scrubs the air of pollutants, leading to the cleanest air of the year, ideal for outdoor activities, though high humidity can sometimes worsen ozone formation. Autumn (October to November) sees a gradual return of stagnant conditions as temperatures drop and agricultural burning resumes, marking a transition back to poorer air quality; residents are advised to monitor local air quality reports during this period and use masks during high pollution episodes. Throughout the year, wind patterns from the northwest can transport industrial emissions from nearby urban centres, adding to the city's pollution burden during calm weather spells.