Lahore ranks most polluted major city as Multan AQI hits 719
Lahore recorded an AQI of 458, the highest among the world's major cities, according to IQAir. Multan recorded 719, and several other Punjab cities also showed very high readings.
- Lahore's AQI of 458 placed it first among major cities worldwide, according to IQAir.
- Multan recorded 719, Kahna Nau 655 and Kasur 462 on the Punjab index.
- Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary outings and wear masks.
Air pollution in Lahore rose further, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 458 placing the city first among the world's most polluted major cities, according to IQAir, as reported by Express News and Nawa-i-Waqt. Multan recorded an AQI of 719.
IQAir ranked New Delhi second with an AQI of 244 and Kolkata third with 235 on the global list.
IQAir data for individual locations showed Multan at 719, Kahna Nau at 655, CERP Office at 611, Barki Road Paragon at 609, Allama Iqbal Town at 583 and Raiwind at 511. Kahna Nau, Multan Road and Safari Park in Lahore reached 500. Gulberg III recorded 483 and Barki Road 482, while ARC Lahore recorded 456 and Model Town A Block 447.
The Punjab Air Quality Index showed Lahore at 430 at 7 am, 70 points higher than the previous day. Kasur recorded 462 and ranked first in Punjab, with Lahore second. Vehari recorded 378, Pakpattan 374, Rajanpur 366, Jhang 346 and Muzaffargarh 340. Punjab University recorded 439 and GT Road 404.
Daily Pakistan reported that Lahore's average smog rate was 338. It said the AQI near FC College was 508, Paragon Society 548 and the Model Town area 414.
Express News said the pollution levels pose serious health risks to residents of Lahore and several other Punjab cities. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor trips and to wear masks when going out.
The Meteorological Department forecast a minimum temperature of 17 and a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius in Lahore over the next 24 hours.
Background
khabr.pk reported on 4 November that the Punjab government had provided more than Rs37 billion for free treatment under several specialised health programmes, as Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said waiting lists had shrunk.
Why it matters
Residents of Lahore, Multan, Kasur and other Punjab cities face daily exposure to air that readings classify as seriously harmful. The reports advise people to limit unnecessary outdoor trips and wear masks when going out. Those who work or travel outdoors are most exposed to the high readings.
