Lahore Tops Global Pollution Ranking with AQI of 328

News Desk

Lahore: Lahore’s air quality has reached alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 328 on Tuesday, placing the city at the top of the global list of the most polluted cities.

The Environment Protection Department (EPD) reported an average AQI of 256, while IQAir recorded a similarly unhealthy AQI of 232, signaling dangerous air pollution levels.

Other cities facing severe pollution include Delhi (204 AQI), Dakar (155 AQI), and Dhaka (142 AQI). The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an advisory warning about rising smog levels due to industrial pollution and vehicle emissions, leading to serious health risks such as respiratory problems and asthma. Major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala are particularly affected.

In response to the pollution crisis, authorities have intensified their efforts to curb smog-causing sources. Over 328 brick kilns have been demolished, and several industrial units have been sealed across Punjab. Additionally, nearly 600 vehicles emitting excessive smoke have been impounded.

The PMD also highlighted the need for precautionary measures against dengue, with cases expected to decline in November but still requiring attention in the next two weeks due to favorable conditions for the mosquito-borne disease.

Despite the smog situation, the weather forecast predicts mainly dry conditions across most parts of Pakistan, with isolated rain expected in northern regions. Lahore observed a maximum temperature of 33°C on Tuesday, while the highest temperature of 38°C was recorded in multiple southern cities.