Lahore’s air pollution crisis worsens as AQI tops 700

Lahore has once again ranked as the most polluted city in the world, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 700, as residents face severe smog and health risks.

The situation has led to the closure of the Lahore-Islamabad (M2) and Lahore-Sialkot (M ) Motorways due to low visibility from thick fog, which is a mix of pollutants and cold-season smog.

Punjab’s air quality has deteriorated significantly, affecting public health and prompting the provincial government to shut down schools in heavily impacted districts until 17 November.

Multan has also been hit by hazardous pollution levels, with its AQI recorded at 1659, marking it as one of the most severely affected cities.

Provincial authorities have identified cross-border winds from India as a contributing factor to the pollution in Lahore, with environmental officials noting that polluted eastern winds have exacerbated the smog in the region.

Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stressed that cooperation with neighbouring countries, including India, is essential to address the pollution crisis.

"Polluted eastern winds from India are a major cause of Lahore's worsening AQI," said Environment Protection Agency Secretary Jahangir Anwar.

According to environmental experts, smog levels in Lahore have reached unprecedented highs, with pollutants like PM2.5 – fine particulate matter harmful to health – peaking at 1,067, far above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety threshold of 10.

This air quality crisis continues to impact millions of residents, particularly children, who face an increased risk of respiratory issues due to prolonged exposure to toxic air.