Punjab’s capital Lahore ranked world’s second most polluted city on the global pollution charts due to worsening smog conditions, while New Delhi continues to top the list. Environmental reports showed Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) reached a concerning 644, while Delhi’s recorded an unprecedented AQI of 1,267 overnight. Following Lahore, Multan emerged as Pakistan’s second most polluted city, with Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar trailing in third, fourth, and fifth spots, respectively. Heavy smog and fog have enveloped much of Punjab’s plains, severely reducing visibility and prompting road closures. In certain areas, visibility has dropped to zero. The spokesperson for the Motorway Police stated that several sections of motorways, including the M2, M3, M4, and M5, have been closed to ensure public safety. Environmental experts attribute the thick smog to climate change impacts, urging immediate action to mitigate health risks. A day earlier, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to share the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) readings from various cities across Pakistan. While sharing the figures he wrote, “Dear Pakistan, move to Karachi.” Punjab is currently in the grip of smog with its capital, Lahore, being the most polluted city in the world. Data indicates that Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) is nearly 74 times above the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit, reaching a hazardous level of 588 on average. In various city areas on Monday, the AQI levels range from 565 to as high as 1,045, but this was significantly lower than the 1,900 level the index touched in places earlier this month. A score of 0-50 is considered good. Lahore’s residents are urged to limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers where possible, and wear masks to reduce exposure to airborne pollutants. Respiratory Infections With worsening smog crisis, Lahore on Wednesday reported over 15,000 cases of respiratory and viral infections in just 24 hours. As per details, the city’s hospitals are overwhelmed with patients suffering from dry cough, breathing difficulties, pneumonia, and chest infections. The majority of cases were reported at major government hospitals, including Mayo Hospital (4,000+ patients), Jinnah Hospital (3,500 patients), Gangaram Hospital (3,000 patients), and Children’s Hospital (2,000+ patients). Medical experts warn that children and patients with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma and heart disease, are particularly vulnerable to the smog’s effects. “Special children are severely affected,” said Professor Ashraf Zia.