LAHORE: Lahore has once again topped the global list of cities with the worst air quality, with pollution levels falling in the “unhealthy” category, according to IQAir’s live air quality tracker.
Air pollution has emerged as a major environmental and public health concern in Pakistan, particularly during the winter season. Lahore and several other cities regularly experience smog, driven by factors including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, crop-residue burning and weather conditions that limit the movement of polluted air.
According to IQAir data on Friday morning, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 167, placing it first among the world’s most polluted cities. Dhaka ranked second with an AQI of 164, while Cairo stood third at 158.
Lahore was the only Pakistani city among the top 30 most polluted cities. Karachi ranked 34th on the 125-city list, recording an AQI of 69.
IQAir reported that the concentration of PM2.5 pollutants in Lahore was 15.2 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s annual guideline level.
PM2.5 consists of extremely small airborne particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations can pose serious health risks.
IQAir advised Lahore residents to avoid outdoor physical activity, keep windows closed, use masks when going outside and consider using air purifiers indoors.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government was taking measures to tackle environmental problems.
Addressing senior officers in Lahore on Friday, she said the city and parts of Punjab had faced severe smog-related conditions during September and October for several years.
She said pollution levels had declined over the past three years, although smog had not been completely eliminated.
