Lahore’s air toxic rises as AQI hits 1,000 sparking health alarms

Lahore residents continue to struggle with “hazardous” air quality as the city’s air quality index (AQI) once again exceeded 1,000 on Sunday, ranking it as the world’s most polluted city. According to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir, levels of dangerous PM2.5 pollutants—fine particulate matter known to severely harm health—peaked at 613, reaching 122.6 times the level deemed unsafe by the World Health Organization.

Meanwhile, the AQI spiked to 1,073 at 10 a.m., surpassing yesterday’s “unprecedented” level of 1,067, according to the real-time list of the world’s most polluted cities. At one point, the AQI climbed to 1,194 before dropping to 766 by noon.

Thick smog shrouded the metropolis, reducing visibility to zero as the Punjab government struggled to lower pollution levels. An environmental expert advised citizens to avoid going outdoors without masks, stay hydrated, and wash their faces frequently.

For days, smog has affected Lahore’s 14 million residents, as a mix of fog and pollutants from low-grade diesel fumes, smoke from seasonal crop burning, and cooler temperatures fills the air. Each winter, the city faces this recurring smog, worsened by farmers’ seasonal crop burn-off on Lahore’s outskirts. According to the WHO, this toxic air can lead to strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and various respiratory illnesses.

Smog from pollution is causing serious issues for Lahore’s residents, especially for those who work outdoors. Many citizens laboring in the polluted air report breathing difficulties, coughing, and burning eyes, impacting both their health and productivity. The Punjab government is scrambling to reduce pollution through various actions and has renewed the smog alert, warning citizens of the harmful effects of persistently poor air quality on health.

To combat smog, authorities have enforced a “Green Lockdown” in Lahore’s most polluted areas, fully banning construction activities, and entry of “Qingqi motorcycle-rickshaws,” use of commercial generators, and operation of open food cooking points and food outlets that use charcoal, coal, or wood without proper emission control systems.

The government has also mandated mask-wearing and restricted outdoor activities, including school assemblies and playtime, to protect citizens from severe smog. Meanwhile, the transport department continues its crackdown on vehicles that contribute to environmental pollution.

However, these measures have proven ineffective in reducing smog, which continues to rise across Punjab, sharply worsening air quality. Harmful smog has also engulfed the central and southern regions of the province.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that Multan, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Jhang, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan will experience smog, while most districts in Punjab will see mainly dry weather.

Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who oversees multiple portfolios including environment protection and climate change, stated that cities neighboring Lahore and the Indian capital, New Delhi, are suffering due to changing wind directions. She emphasized the importance of strictly following the guidelines set by experts to stay safe from the effects of air pollution.

A spokesperson for Punjab’s Environmental Protection Department stated that smoke-laden air from neighboring India is contributing to the rising smog levels. Delhi is also grappling with intensifying smog, ranking as the second most polluted city on IQAir’s list, with an AQI of 511 around 10 a.m. India has called for collaboration and regional cooperation in South Asia to address the worsening air pollution crisis after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz suggested engaging in diplomatic efforts with India.

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