Air pollution worsened across large parts of Punjab on Sunday, with several cities reporting hazardous air quality levels. Lahore also recorded unhealthy conditions, raising public health concerns.
According to a leading environmental monitoring website, Lahore ranked as the second most polluted city in the world, with particulate matter (PM2.5) levels reaching 287.
In Pakistan, Kahna emerged as the most polluted location, where particulate matter surged to a dangerous 568.
Other cities also reported alarming readings. Faisalabad recorded a PM2.5 level of 338, while Gujrat measured 300. Gujranwala followed closely with a reading of 296.
The Commission for Air Quality Management attributed the deterioration to high humidity and changing wind patterns, which trap pollutants near the ground and intensify smog formation.
Read: Lahore Ranks as World’s Second Most Polluted City Amid Smog Crisis
Punjab faced a similar crisis last winter. Smog blanketed major cities for weeks, forcing authorities to impose emergency measures. Officials struggled to control emissions from traffic, industrial activity, and seasonal crop burning.
Lahore, in particular, experienced severe smog episodes due to low-quality diesel emissions, industrial smoke, and agricultural fires, as colder temperatures reduced air circulation.
At its peak last year, air pollution in Lahore exceeded 80 times the safe limit set by the World Health Organisation, posing serious risks to children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.
Health experts continue to urge residents to limit outdoor exposure and wear protective masks during periods of high smog.
