Lahore and Karachi have once again ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, as dense smog continues to blanket much of Pakistan’s urban centers, severely reducing visibility and endangering public health.
According to data from international air quality monitoring agencies, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged past 400, placing it in the “hazardous” category, while Karachi also recorded alarmingly high pollution levels, making both cities among the top five most polluted globally.
Residents reported difficulty breathing, eye irritation, and sore throats as the toxic haze thickened over the weekend. Commuters faced severe visibility issues, causing traffic disruptions and flight delays at major airports.
Environmental experts attribute the smog to a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, crop residue burning, and unfavorable weather conditions trapping pollutants close to the ground. “Without urgent mitigation, Lahore and Karachi will continue to face prolonged air quality crises each winter,” warned one environmental scientist.
In response, provincial authorities have issued health advisories urging citizens to limit outdoor activity, wear masks, and avoid unnecessary travel. Schools in several districts have also been directed to remain closed on high-smog days.
The government says it is intensifying efforts to curb emissions, including stricter regulations on factories and vehicular pollution. However, environmental activists argue that enforcement remains weak and that long-term urban planning reforms are urgently needed.
With winter only beginning, experts caution that the smog crisis could worsen in the coming weeks unless immediate action is taken.
