Pakistan’s cultural capital, Lahore, has once again been ranked as the most polluted city in the world, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 274, placing it in the “very unhealthy” category.
According to data from global air quality monitoring networks, Lahore’s pollution levels surged overnight due to vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, and seasonal crop burning in nearby regions.
Residents woke up to dense smog blanketing major roads, severely reducing visibility and forcing many to wear masks outdoors. Health experts have warned of a spike in respiratory and eye infections, urging citizens to limit outdoor activities.
“The smog has become a yearly crisis — stricter implementation of environmental laws is the only way forward,” said an environmental activist.
Authorities have instructed traffic police to monitor smoke-emitting vehicles and directed factories to adopt pollution control measures, though enforcement remains a challenge.
With winter approaching, environmentalists warn that Lahore’s air quality could deteriorate further unless emergency measures are taken immediately.
