LAHORE: The city’s air quality hit “Hazardous” levels on Monday morning, claiming the top spot in the global IQAir ranking with a US Air Quality Index (AQI) of 471 and PM2.5 concentration at 311 microgrammes per cubic metre at 8:00 a.m., according to IQAir’s live dashboard.
The PM2.5 level was reported to be 62.2 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s annual guideline value, posing a serious health threat to residents. PM2.5 particles, smaller than 2.5 microns, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Read More: Punjab changes school timings amid worsening Lahore smog
Karachi also featured among the world’s most polluted cities, ranking fourth with an AQI of 163, placing it in the “Unhealthy” category. Meanwhile, Delhi ranked second with 253, Tashkent third with 176, and Dubai fifth at 160.
In Multan, smog levels are worsening due to seasonal changes. The Meteorological Department warned of intensifying conditions in coming days, reporting temperatures between 18°C and 31°C. Industrial emissions, old factories, and heavy traffic on major routes like Khanewal Road and Bosan Road have compounded the problem.
Officials revealed that Multan’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) faces monitoring challenges, with only one functional air-quality device in operation. They also linked the rising smog to declining urban greenery, which allows pollutants to linger, especially in the early morning and evening.
Citing health concerns, the Punjab Environment Department has ordered that all public and private schools across the province, including Lahore, start after 8:45 a.m. until January 31, 2026. Schools violating the rule face fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs500,000.
Authorities attribute the worsening air quality to polluted easterly winds from India and other regions. The toxic haze has blanketed much of Punjab and northern India, reducing visibility and triggering health complaints such as coughing, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties.
Health experts urge citizens to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and avoid unnecessary travel during smoggy or foggy conditions to reduce health risks and prevent road accidents.
Read More: Lahore tops world’s most polluted cities as toxic smog chokes Punjab
As winter sets in, stagnant air, vehicle and factory emissions, and crop burning combine to trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening the smog crisis. The World Health Organisation warns that prolonged exposure can cause strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.