Lahore continued to battle severe air pollution on Sunday, ranking as the second most polluted city in the world with an average Air Quality Index of 429. Several neighbourhoods reported even more alarming levels, with Ravi Road reaching an extraordinary AQI of 1198 and other areas also crossing dangerous limits.
Moreover, the pollution crisis extended beyond Lahore as Gujranwala emerged as the most polluted city in Pakistan, recording an AQI of 593. Other major urban centers faced worsening conditions as well, with Faisalabad hitting 365, Multan touching 299, and Peshawar rising to 172. These numbers highlighted a deepening nationwide air quality emergency.
Read more : Lahore tops world pollution chart as smog crisis worsens
Across the border, New Delhi topped global pollution rankings with an AQI of 702, reflecting an escalating environmental challenge across South Asia. Experts warned that the region now faces a shared crisis that requires immediate cross-border coordination. Additionally, residents in both countries continue to endure hazardous smog that disrupts daily life.
Health professionals issued strong advisories, urging people to wear protective masks, limit outdoor exposure, and use indoor air purifiers whenever possible. They cautioned that the toxic air poses severe risks to children, senior citizens, and those with respiratory or heart conditions. Consequently, hospitals have reported increasing cases linked to breathing difficulties.
Read more : Lahore chokes as smog pushes city into health crisis –
Environmental analysts pointed to crop burning, heavy traffic emissions, and industrial activity as major contributors to worsening air quality. They urged authorities to take urgent, coordinated measures to curb smog before it triggers a long-term public health disaster. Therefore, officials are under pressure to introduce stricter controls and accelerate pollution-reduction strategies across Punjab.