Lahore tops polluted cities' list
School children walk across a railway track engulfed in dense smog in Lahore. Photo: AFP
Lahore was ranked as the most polluted city in the world on the last day of 2024.
According to data from IQAir, the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 246, categorised as very unhealthy. The PM2.5 particulate matter levels were 34.1 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual guideline.
Several areas in the city reported dangerously high AQI levels, including the US Consulate with a reading of 718, Askari 10 at 510, Polo Ground Cantt 432 and near Ada Plot on Raiwind Road at 429.
Other highly polluted areas included Pine Avenue, with an AQI of 378, and Phase 8 DHA at 368. The University of Management and Technology had an AQI of 322.