Lahore tops global pollution list, Karachi ranks fifth

Lahore has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world, followed by New Delhi in second place while Karachi positioned at fifth position, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Lahore registered an alarming 298 particulate matter (PM) levels, indicating a hazardous air quality. New Delhi recorded 247 PM, while Karachi’s air quality stood at 173 PM, making it one of the most polluted urban areas globally.

Photo: IQAir

The severe pollution levels in Lahore and Karachi have raised concerns about public health, as high particulate matter in the air can lead to respiratory issues and other serious health problems. The cities have been grappling with the consequences of smog, particularly during the winter months when pollution levels peak.

In response to the worsening air quality, the Punjab government has eased certain restrictions. On Monday, authorities allowed construction work to resume in Lahore and three other districts, including Gujranwala, Multan, and Faisalabad.

Government and private offices have also been permitted to operate with full staff. However, heavy traffic will be restricted from entering these districts on weekends, with only limited access allowed from Monday to Thursday.

Additionally, the government has maintained certain restrictions to control pollution, including the closure of markets and shopping malls by 8 pm.

Restaurants can continue indoor and outdoor dining until 10 pm., but barbecue services will only be allowed if hood systems are installed to prevent smoke from affecting the surrounding environment.

While the easing of restrictions will help bring some relief to businesses and residents, the government continues to monitor the air quality and enforce measures aimed at reducing pollution, such as limiting heavy traffic and imposing early closures of commercial establishments.

Respiratory illnesses hit record high

Punjab recorded a staggering 52,577 cases of respiratory illnesses in a single day, with Lahore contributing 3,069 cases to the total, as per data released by the primary and secondary healthcare department.

Over the past week, Lahore reported 34,000 cases, and the monthly count has reached a concerning 131,000.

The report revealed that asthma cases followed closely, with 2,953 reported across Punjab in 24 hours, including 242 in Lahore. Over the past week, 2,367 asthma cases were logged in the city, bringing the monthly tally to 6,847.

Cardiac diseases also showed alarming numbers, with 1,097 new cases across the province in the past day. Lahore alone accounted for 506 cases, pushing the weekly total to 3,601 and the monthly figure to 14,440.

Stroke incidents numbered 113 across Punjab within 24 hours, including 51 in Lahore. Weekly and monthly figures in Lahore stood at 338 and 778, respectively.

Eye diseases added to the province's health concerns, with 371 new cases reported in a day. Lahore recorded 90 of these cases, with weekly cases at 1,425 and the monthly total at 3,352.