Lahore tops global pollution rankings again, average AQI at 338
Lahore ranked as the world's most polluted city on Thursday as heavy smog covered the city. Punjab Environment Protection Department data put the average Air Quality Index at 338.
- Lahore topped global pollution rankings on Thursday, with an average AQI of 338.
- A related report cited a reading of 509 AQI, with 548 at Paragon Society.
- Doctors advise limiting outdoor movement and wearing N95 masks.
Lahore again topped global air pollution rankings on Thursday as heavy smog covered the provincial capital. Official data from the Punjab Environment Protection Department showed the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 338, Daily Times reported.
Monitoring stations recorded severe local spikes in several residential and commercial areas. A related report said Lahore became the most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 509. A reading near FC College reached 508, Paragon Society recorded 548 and Model Town 414.
Health authorities warned that atmospheric conditions in the city have reached hazardous levels. Fine particulate matter is sharply reducing visibility and causing breathing discomfort. Hospitals have placed respiratory wards on high alert.
Medical experts advised residents to limit non-essential outdoor movement and to wear N95 masks when outside. Children, elderly people and those with respiratory illnesses face higher risks.
The Meteorological Department forecast temperatures between 17°C and 30°C over the next day. Low wind speeds and cool nights are trapping industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust near the ground, so the weather offers little natural relief from the smog.
Provincial authorities are considering emergency measures to curb stubble burning and industrial pollution, and administrative bodies are evaluating steps to restrict emission sources in the urban zone. Environmental protection officials urged industrial units to comply immediately with local emission limits.
Traffic police are carrying out stricter spot-checks on smoke-emitting vehicles on major routes, and municipal authorities are spraying water along key roads to settle dust. Civil departments are coordinating action across sectors to reduce the air quality hazards in the district.
Why it matters
Residents of Lahore are breathing some of the most polluted air in the world, which poses direct health risks. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory illnesses are most exposed, according to health authorities. Hospitals have put respiratory wards on alert, and doctors advise limiting outdoor movement and wearing N95 masks.
