Daily Times

Lahore has once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at a dangerous 354.

According to reports, the AQI in various areas of the city is significantly high, with Pakistan Engineering Services Road at 1137, Syed Muratab Ali Road at 979, Ghazi Road Interchange at 882, and Climate Finance Pakistan Headquarters at 790.

Experts have warned that the current AQI level poses serious health risks, particularly for respiratory conditions, and has advised the public to take preventive measures.

With schools, colleges, and universities now open, the use of face masks has been made mandatory for students.

Furthermore, academic activities across the 36 districts of Punjab were restored on November 20 as the provincial government announced physical attendance of the students at all schools including private institutions.

The provincial government announced the reopening of all educational institutions, including private schools, across Punjab, with Lahore and Multan Divisions included.

The city administration has imposed a temporary ban on construction work until tonight to mitigate pollution.

While parks and recreational areas have been reopened for the public, all markets, shopping malls, and plazas will close by 8:00 PM, and restaurants must shut by 10:00 PM.

District authorities are also continuing enforcement of anti-smog measures, with penalties for those violating standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Previously, Lahore also ranked as the most polluted city in the world, recording an AQI above 700, as residents faced severe smog and health risks.

The situation led to the closure of the Lahore-Islamabad (M2) and Lahore-Sialkot (M ) Motorways due to low visibility from thick fog, which is a mix of pollutants and cold-season smog.

Multan was also hit by hazardous pollution levels, with its AQI recorded at 1659, marking it as one of the most severely affected cities.

Provincial authorities identified cross-border winds from India as a contributing factor to the pollution in Lahore, with environmental officials noting that polluted eastern winds have exacerbated the smog in the region.

Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stressed that cooperation with neighbouring countries, including India, is essential to address the pollution crisis.