The city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 156, placing it in the “unhealthy” category, according to air monitoring data released on Wednesday.
At this level, air pollution poses health risks to the general population, while individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, children, and the elderly may experience more serious effects. Residents were advised to limit prolonged outdoor activities, particularly during peak traffic hours when pollution levels tend to rise further.
Meanwhile, the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was measured at 12.5 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual guideline value. PM2.5 particles, which are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, are linked to a range of health problems, including asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, and other chronic respiratory illnesses. Health experts warn that sustained exposure to such elevated pollution levels can significantly increase the risk of long-term complications.
Environmental specialists attribute the deteriorating air quality to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and stagnant weather conditions that prevent pollutants from dispersing. They have called for stricter enforcement of emission controls, promotion of public transport, and greater public awareness to mitigate the worsening air pollution crisis.
Dry weather persisted in the city on Wednesday, and the Meteorological Department has forecast similar conditions over the next 24 hours.
According to Met officials, a shallow westerly trough is expected to influence the extreme northern parts of the country from today (evening/night). They stated that mainly dry weather will prevail across most regions, while cold and partly cloudy conditions are likely in the hilly areas. However, light rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by snowfall over high mountains, may occur at a few places in northern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Daytime temperatures in the plain areas are expected to remain above normal. On Wednesday, the highest maximum temperature was recorded in Mithi, Dadu and Shaheed Benazirabad, where the mercury soared to 38°C, while in Lahore it settled at 21°C.