Lahore Chokes as World's Most Polluted City: A Public Health Emergency

Lahore's air quality has dangerously deteriorated, reaching hazardous levels and rating as the world's most polluted. With AQI levels spiking across the city, authorities urged citizens to stay indoors. The Punjab province faces a public health emergency amid persistent smog driven by emissions, industrial pollution, and crop burning.

Lahore has once again claimed the title of the world's most polluted city as severe smog enveloped the region on Monday. Real-time data from IQAir recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 312, with PM2.5 levels at 190.5 micrograms per cubic meter—substantially above WHO guidelines.

Despite the general smog blanket, air quality levels varied across Lahore, with some areas experiencing severe conditions. Monitoring stations reported AQI levels deep into the 'hazardous' zone. The City School in Allama Iqbal Town recorded a staggering AQI of 505, indicating a catastrophic health risk. Similarly, Fauji Fertiliser Pakistan and The City School Shalimar Campus noted levels of 525 and 366, respectively, causing major public concern.

This severe pollution has triggered a high alert across Punjab province, as other major cities like Faisalabad and Multan followed closely with hazardous AQI readings. Internationally, Lahore topped the global air quality charts, surpassing other high-risk cities such as Delhi and Kolkata. Authorities have issued warnings, advising vulnerable populations to remain indoors due to the combination of calm winds and high humidity, which are exacerbating the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)