LAHORE: As of the evening of October 21, 2025, Lahore has been experiencing a severe air quality crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching an alarming 218, categorizing the air as “Very Unhealthy.” The city is currently grappling with the detrimental effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is over 28 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended annual limit.
This recent spike in pollution comes as the city enters its annual “smog season,” where air quality typically worsens due to a combination of factors. These include the burning of crop residues in neighboring agricultural areas, vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and seasonal weather patterns that trap pollutants in the atmosphere. The persistent smog has led to a dramatic increase in respiratory illnesses and has caused widespread concern among residents and health professionals alike.
PM2.5 levels in Lahore have been recorded at 142.3 µg/m³, a concentration that poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. According to the U.S. AQI standards, this concentration falls under the “Very Unhealthy” category, which means that even healthy individuals could experience health effects, and everyone is advised to limit outdoor activities.
With humidity levels at 47% and little to no wind (0 km/h), the air remains stagnant, preventing pollutants from dispersing. Experts recommend that residents avoid outdoor exercise, keep windows closed, wear masks when going outside, and use air purifiers to mitigate the effects of the pollution.
The primary contributors to Lahore’s air pollution are the burning of crop residue by farmers in the surrounding Punjab province and emissions from industrial facilities and vehicles. Each winter, this practice intensifies, exacerbating the already high pollution levels. According to experts, the air quality usually reaches its worst during the months of October to February, when crop residue burning is at its peak.
Despite attempts by the government to address these issues, such as the Punjab Green Development Program, pollution levels remain dangerously high. This is compounded by the lack of real-time air quality monitoring in many areas, leading to a lack of awareness among the public regarding the severity of the situation.
The public’s awareness of Lahore’s air pollution crisis grew significantly in 2017, when the first comprehensive air quality data was made available through citizen-operated sensors. The data revealed the city’s hazardous pollution levels, leading to a public interest petition demanding a more robust government response. This prompted the Lahore High Court to order authorities to review their smog action plan, though advocates for air quality continue to criticize the government’s slow progress in combating pollution.
In 2019, a group of concerned citizens petitioned the court to declare the Punjab Air Quality Index (AQI) system as “unreasonable,” arguing that it downplays the severity of pollution, particularly in the case of PM2.5. According to experts, the AQI system in Punjab is much more lenient than international standards, underreporting the actual danger faced by residents.
To address the growing pollution crisis in Lahore, experts emphasize the need for comprehensive measures, including stricter emissions regulations, better public awareness, and enhanced air quality monitoring systems. While steps have been taken to reduce emissions from brick kilns and industrial sources, authorities still need to invest in more sustainable practices and infrastructure to safeguard public health.
In the meantime, residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution, including wearing masks, using air purifiers, and limiting time spent outdoors.
With Lahore consistently ranking among the world’s most polluted cities, it is clear that more aggressive action is required to tackle this environmental crisis and ensure a cleaner, healthier future for its residents.
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