The Punjab Environment Protection Department issued a smog alert on Sunday in response to rising pollution levels, with Lahore reclaiming its place as the world’s most polluted city amid falling temperatures. The city recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 700, as reported by Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir. According to IQAir’s classification, any AQI over 300 is deemed “hazardous” to health, posing severe risks to public well-being.
Lahore’s deteriorating air quality is exacerbated by cold air trapping emissions at ground level, worsened further by winds carrying pollutants from neighboring Indian regions such as Amritsar, New Delhi, and Chandigarh. As visibility dropped to one kilometer in some parts of the city, Lahore’s traffic police cautioned motorcyclists and drivers to exercise extreme care on the roads.
In response, the Environment Protection Department advised citizens to monitor AQI levels before outdoor activities, use masks when outside, restrict children from outdoor play, and avoid heavily polluted areas. Local environmentalists have called for urgent action, recommending an environmental emergency to address the hazardous air conditions.
Health experts warn of an increase in respiratory and eye infections due to prolonged exposure to smog, highlighting how poor air quality has emerged as a significant health crisis across South Asia. Reports show that South Asian air pollution could reduce life expectancy by over five years per person, underscoring the region’s pressing environmental challenges.
The provincial government has moved swiftly, imposing measures to limit exposure and reduce smog. Outdoor school activities have been banned until January 31, and school timings have been shifted to a later start at 8:45 am. Schools have also been instructed to hold assemblies indoors. Additionally, events involving fireworks and other air pollutants are prohibited until the end of January 2025.
Alongside Lahore, Karachi ranked fourth on the global air pollution index, while New Delhi and Cairo followed as the second and third most polluted cities, respectively.
