LAHORE: The air quality in Lahore plunged to hazardous levels on Thursday, with the city recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 603, the highest in the world, as thick smog continued to blanket the provincial capital.
According to real-time air monitoring data, pollution levels in some parts of the city reached alarming highs, with the AQI soaring to 816 near Fortress Stadium. Lahore was followed by India’s capital, New Delhi, which ranked second on the global pollution index.
In several localities, the AQI remained critically high, measuring 788 in Allama Iqbal Town, 696 near the Cantonment Office, 652 at the University of the Punjab, 647 in Samanabad, 617 along Shalamar Road, 615 on Syed Maratab Ali Road, 597 near the Pakistan Engineering Council, 593 at Sanda Road, and 589 around Ravi Road and Government College University.
Meteorological experts have warned that weather conditions are likely to worsen the situation in the coming days. Low wind speeds and cooler temperatures are trapping particulate matter close to the ground, preventing pollutants from dispersing. Additionally, easterly winds blowing in from India’s Punjab region are expected to contribute to further smog accumulation in Lahore.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast dry weather for the next 24 hours, with daytime temperatures expected to reach 31°C and drop to 19°C at night. The stagnant weather pattern, officials said, would make it difficult for pollutants to dissipate.
Meanwhile, Karachi also featured among the world’s most polluted cities on Thursday, ranking fourth with an AQI of 161. The Met Office reported a minimum temperature of 26°C and a maximum of 35°C, with dry conditions expected to persist. Winds were recorded at 16 kilometres per hour from the northeast, with humidity levels at 49 percent.
Health experts have warned that Lahore’s air has reached levels considered “extremely hazardous” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Doctors have urged residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses, to remain indoors and wear protective masks if venturing outside becomes unavoidable.
Medical professionals cautioned that prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels could lead to severe respiratory and cardiovascular complications, eye irritation, and long-term health risks. They also stressed the need for government intervention, including restrictions on industrial emissions and vehicular pollution, to curb the worsening crisis.
Environmental activists have criticised authorities for inaction, saying that recurring winter smog in Punjab has become a “public health emergency.”
Despite repeated advisories, burning of crop residue, unchecked traffic emissions, and industrial smoke continue to contribute to Lahore’s deteriorating air quality.
Experts warned that unless urgent measures are implemented to address the root causes of pollution, Lahore could face prolonged smog seasons and rising health emergencies in the coming years.
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