Lahore continues to battle hazardous air quality, ranking as the second most polluted city in the world on Sunday.
An international environmental monitoring website reported the city’s average smog level at 429, placing it in the “hazardous” category. Some areas recorded even higher readings: Ravi Road at 1198, Lower Mall at 810, and the vicinity of FC College at 706 on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
While Lahore faces severe pollution, Gujranwala currently tops the list in Pakistan with an AQI of 593. Other major cities are also struggling, including Faisalabad at 365, Multan at 299, and Peshawar at 172. Across the border, New Delhi remains the most polluted globally, with an AQI of 702, highlighting a widespread regional air pollution crisis.
Health experts have warned residents to wear masks, limit outdoor activities, and use air purifiers indoors. They stressed that prolonged exposure to toxic air poses serious risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
Environmental analysts attribute the worsening air quality to crop residue burning, heavy traffic emissions, and industrial pollution. They have urged authorities to take immediate and coordinated measures to reduce smog levels, warning that delays could lead to a prolonged public health emergency.
