Lahore Ranked Pakistan’s Most Polluted City, Fifth Globally

News Desk

Lahore: Despite the Punjab government’s efforts to control smog, Lahore’s air quality index reached an alarming level of 177 on Thursday, ranking the city as the most polluted in Pakistan. Globally, Lahore ranked fifth among the most polluted cities.

According to pollution data, Johar Town recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 209, the American Consulate area recorded 189, and Thokar Niaz Baig reached 175.

The city’s skies were clouded with pollution, leading to an increase in respiratory issues such as eye, nose, ear, and throat irritations among residents.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported the current temperature in Lahore at 26°C and forecasted no rainfall in the next 24 hours, suggesting little immediate relief from the worsening air quality.

A top government official informed APP that, under the guidance of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government has implemented various measures across sectors including agriculture, transport, industry, energy, environment, education, and health to combat the rising air pollution and smog.

In an intensified effort to reduce smog, the government inspected 12,540 industrial units between April and September, issued notices to 4,403 of them, and demolished 117 units for non-compliance.
Additionally, 594 units were sealed, 361 cases were registered, and fines totaling Rs. 7 crore were imposed.