Lahore, the capital of Punjab, has been identified as the world’s most polluted city, based on the latest IQAir data. This announcement comes as provincial authorities scramble to address the escalating smog crisis. The city’s air quality has reached a hazardous level, surpassing the 400 US AQI mark.
Air quality under 50 US AQI is considered healthy, indicating that Lahore’s air is 80 times more polluted than this threshold.
Changes in seasonal air flows exacerbate the situation. In winter, the wind direction shifts, moving from Pakistan to India, with agricultural waste burning, vehicle exhaust, and power production significantly contributing to air pollution. The slower wind speeds during this season cause the polluted air to linger, mixing with fog and forming deadly smog.
New Delhi and Dubai follow Lahore in the pollution rankings, with AQIs of 285 and 166, respectively. Karachi stands 13th, posing risks particularly to those sensitive to pollutants, with an AQI of 107.
IQAir advises Lahore’s residents to minimize outdoor activities, seal homes from outdoor air, wear masks, and use air purifiers to mitigate pollution exposure.
Despite efforts by the provincial government, Lahore has topped the global pollution index for the second time in a week. Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb recently outlined measures to combat smog, including the potential use of artificial rain, which would cost between Rs5 million and Rs7 million.
