Lahore tops Pakistan's polluted cities as air quality hits very unhealthy

Lahore tops Pakistan's polluted cities with "very unhealthy" air, Karachi ranked fourth.

Lahore's air pollution levels have reached "very unhealthy" status once again, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 240, significantly surpassing the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended safety limits.

Photo: IQAir

The current AQI is categorised as "very unhealthy" on the US AQI scale, as the city faces an ongoing smog crisis that is impacting public health and daily life.

Photo: IQAir

Lahore has once again become the most polluted city in Pakistan, as air quality continues to worsen, and the chances of rain have diminished.

The Punjab government has already reopened schools, colleges, universities, and recreational places across the city, despite the rising pollution levels. Construction work has also been permitted in Lahore and three other districts.

Under the new guidelines, brick kilns using zigzag technology can continue their operations. Furthermore, both public and private offices have been allowed to operate with a full staff, while heavy traffic will be allowed entry into the districts from Monday to Thursday. However, heavy vehicles will be prohibited from entering the city from Friday to Sunday.

The government has also enforced the decision to close shops, markets, and shopping malls by 8 PM. Restaurants are allowed indoor and outdoor dining until 10 PM, but barbecue operations without proper exhaust systems are prohibited.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to take action against violations of anti-smog SOPs. In addition, while clouds are passing over Lahore and several districts in Punjab, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has stated that the chances of rain are now minimal.

It is expected that the weather will remain dry for the next 24 hours. The temperature in Lahore is expected to range between a low of 10°C and a high of 25°C.

Photo: IQAir

Meanwhile Karachi's AQI reached 212 or "very unhealthy" for the first time in a month with vehicle emissions, waste burning, and industrial activity identified as the main contributors.

The air quality in the city, which had ranked fourth for the most polluted air, later dropped to a reading of 173.