LAHORE: Lahore once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Monday, as thick layers of smog blanketed the city and its surroundings.
According to air quality monitoring platform IQAir, Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) reached a hazardous level of 308 early in the morning. Although it later dropped to 245 by noon, the air remained “very unhealthy,” with PM2.5 concentrations soaring to 148 µg/m³ — nearly 30 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limit.
The dense smog has severely reduced visibility across Punjab and triggered a wave of health complaints, including throat irritation, coughing, and breathing problems. Public health experts have urged residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and wear protective masks.
In response to the worsening conditions, the Punjab School Education Department announced revised school timings starting Monday. Classes will now begin at 8:45am and end at 1:30pm from Monday to Thursday, while on Fridays schools will close at 12:30pm. The decision was confirmed by Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat through an announcement on his X account.
Meanwhile, Karachi recorded an AQI of 127, deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups, with PM2.5 levels at 45.9 µg/m³ — over nine times the WHO guideline. Across the border, New Delhi ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities with an AQI of 221, driven largely by traffic emissions, industrial output, and post-harvest stubble burning.
As winter sets in, stagnant winds and cooler temperatures are trapping pollutants near the ground across Punjab and much of South Asia. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such hazardous air can lead to life-threatening illnesses, including heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory problems — a growing threat for millions across the region.
