Lahore became the world’s most polluted city on Saturday, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 363. Experts called the air quality “extremely hazardous” for human health. New Delhi ranked second with an AQI of 260, while Faisalabad recorded a staggering 539, putting it in the “most hazardous” category. Other Punjab cities, including Gujranwala, Multan, and Sialkot, also saw dangerous pollution levels.
Environmental experts blamed vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, crop residue burning, and cross-border smog from India for worsening the crisis. Traffic congestion and factory pollution heavily impact Lahore and Faisalabad. Karachi suffers from port-related pollution and urban crowding, while Islamabad and Rawalpindi are affected by construction dust and vehicles. In Multan, agricultural waste burning further worsens air toxicity.
Read more: Pakistan Uses Anti-Smog Guns to Fight Air Pollution in Lahore
The World Health Organization warns that nearly seven million people die annually due to air pollution. Billions more suffer from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Experts say that seasonal weather changes, such as fog and low wind speeds from October to February, trap pollutants near the ground, making air quality worse.
Authorities have been urged to adopt stricter policies and seasonal control measures to curb the recurring pollution crisis. Experts also recommend that citizens minimize outdoor activities on high-pollution days. They should keep windows closed, use air purifiers, and wear masks if venturing outside is unavoidable.
Read more: Lahore tops list of most-polluted cities
Meanwhile, Punjab’s government has promised to address the worsening air quality. Officials plan to monitor industrial emissions, regulate traffic, and enforce measures to reduce crop burning. Without strong action, experts warn, cities like Lahore and Faisalabad will continue facing hazardous air conditions every winter.