Lahore has once again ranked as the world’s most polluted city for the second day in a row, as the provincial capital battles worsening air quality due to the intensifying smog crisis. As winter approaches, pollution levels have surged, with the air quality index (AQI) in Lahore reaching a hazardous level of 503 on Wednesday, according to IQAir data.
This sharp rise in pollution poses serious health risks to residents, as an AQI above 300 is considered hazardous. IQAir’s classification system measures air quality based on PM2.5, lung-damaging airborne particles, which in Lahore are currently 55.6 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended guideline.
In comparison, New Delhi, India, ranks second on the list of most polluted cities, with an AQI of 366, while Karachi follows as the third most polluted city, registering an AQI of 166. Karachi’s air quality is labeled “unhealthy,” adding to concerns across the region.
Medical experts have urged residents, particularly those with respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies, to take extreme precautions. The Punjab Environmental Protection Department has also issued new guidelines, adjusting school timings to 8:45 am starting October 28 until January 31, 2025, and recommending indoor assemblies. Citizens have been advised to avoid outdoor activities, keep windows and doors closed, wear masks, and check vehicle fitness to minimize exposure to polluted air.
Firework displays have been banned until January 31, 2025, as provincial authorities scramble to address the escalating smog crisis. Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb indicated that the government is exploring solutions, including the possibility of artificial rain to mitigate the smog.
Lahore’s air quality tends to deteriorate as colder days set in, with pollution levels rising during the winter months. Along with New Delhi, Lahore frequently tops the list of the world’s most polluted cities, causing severe health problems for residents. A report published last year highlighted that air pollution could reduce life expectancy in South Asia by more than five years.
Environment lawyer and activist Ahmad Rafay Alam emphasized that air pollution is not merely a seasonal issue in Lahore, stating, “Air pollution is a regional and year-round public health emergency.”
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