Lahore tops list of world’s most polluted cities

LAHORE: Lahore has once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, as air quality levels in the provincial capital reached hazardous levels on Monday morning.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 332, placing it in the “hazardous” category. Faisalabad followed closely with an AQI of 325, while Sheikhupura recorded 311, Dera Ghazi Khan 239, Gujranwala 233, and Multan 224.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classification, an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading between 0 and 100 is considered clean and healthy, while 101 to 200 falls under the “moderately polluted but tolerable” category.

AQI readings between 300 and 500 are classified as polluted to severely polluted, posing serious health risks—particularly for individuals with heart and respiratory diseases who may experience breathing difficulties during prolonged exposure.

The EPA further states that when the AQI exceeds 500, the air quality is deemed extremely hazardous, with potential health impacts even on otherwise healthy individuals.

The Punjab government has made it mandatory for motorcycle riders to wear face masks amid worsening air pollution across the province.

Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that polluted winds from Delhi, Chandigarh, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, and Patiala are drifting toward Lahore, significantly contributing to the city’s deteriorating air quality.

She added that Multan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar are also being affected by transboundary air pollution originating from India.

Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that construction sites have been instructed to implement dust control measures, and vehicles transporting materials must remain properly covered. She emphasized that wearing face masks is mandatory for motorcyclists, while car drivers have been advised to keep windows rolled up and residents urged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize exposure.

The minister added that a slight improvement in air quality is expected between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with clear skies and light haze forecast during the afternoon hours.

Maryam Aurangzeb further stated that water sprinkling operations and anti-smog guns are being actively used across Lahore and other cities to reduce particulate pollution. She stressed that public cooperation and collective responsibility are vital for effectively combating smog and improving air quality.

Experts have warned that the worsening air quality poses serious health risks, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks when necessary.