Lahore once again became the world’s most polluted city this week, as a dense layer of smog blanketed the provincial capital, choking its nearly 13 million residents and plunging visibility to near zero in several areas.
According to global air monitoring agency IQAir, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous 403 on Wednesday morning, far exceeding safe limits and surpassing even New Delhi’s 235. In some parts of the city, including Kahna Nau, GT Road, and Egerton Road, the AQI peaked at 500, the maximum possible reading, marking “extremely hazardous” conditions.
Other major localities also reported alarming figures: Shahdara at 391, DHA Phase 6 at 371, and Burki Road at 361. Meanwhile, Multan Road, Safari Park, and Punjab University areas hovered between 300 and 340, all within the “very unhealthy” range.
Elsewhere in Punjab, air quality deteriorated across multiple cities. Sargodha recorded 344, Faisalabad 296, and Multan 287, while Kasur, Gujranwala, and Sheikhupura also faced hazardous levels. Experts warned that calm winds, high humidity, and temperature drops are trapping pollutants close to the surface, worsening conditions during morning and evening rush hours.
Officials from the Punjab Environment Department attributed the smog to vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and widespread stubble burning in surrounding agricultural districts. “Without public cooperation and strict enforcement, improvement will remain temporary,” said EPA Deputy Director Ali Ejaz.
Environmental data shows Lahore has not recorded a single “good” air quality day in four years, with October and November consistently ranking as the most polluted months. Health experts have urged citizens, particularly children and the elderly, to remain indoors, wear masks, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity as the city endures yet another smog emergency.