Lahore Tops List of World’s Most Polluted Cities Amid Smog Crisis
Lahore, the capital city of Punjab and one of the business hub in Pakistan, has been ranked the most polluted city in the world, according to data from IQAir.
According to the detail, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the historic city has exceeded 400, placing it in the hazardous category across the glob.
Environmental experts have raised alarms over the worsening situation. Yasir Husain, an environmentalist, explained that Lahore’s air is now 80 times more polluted than the healthy limit of 50 AQI.
He attributed the pollution to agricultural waste burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities, which worsen during winter due to stagnant air and temperature inversion.
Lahore is followed by New Delhi, where the AQI stands at 285, indicating “very unhealthy” conditions. Dubai ranks third with an AQI of 166. Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, ranks 13th with an AQI of 107, posing risks to individuals with respiratory issues.
Despite efforts by provincial authorities to combat the smog, including proposed measures like artificial rain and a crackdown on polluting factories, Lahore continues to struggle with poor air quality.
Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb mentioned that all necessary steps were being taken to reduce smog levels.
Experts recommend citizens avoid outdoor activities, use air purifiers indoors, and wear masks when outside. As air quality worsens during winter, hospitals report an increase in respiratory illnesses, highlighting the severe impact of pollution on public health.
