Lahore, Delhi compete in pollution ranking
The Punjab capital has once again ranked among the most polluted major cities in the world. According to the global air quality monitoring organisation IQAir, the city was the second most polluted in the world on Thursday, with New Delhi topping the list. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 239 in New Delhi, 237 in Lahore, and 179 in Karachi.
Data from the Punjab Air Quality Index indicates that Dera Ghazi Khan was the most polluted city in the province with an AQI of 461, followed by Gujranwala at 421, Faisalabad at 287 and Sheikhupura at 260.
Within Lahore, air quality levels were found hazardous in multiple areas. The highest pollution levels were recorded on Multan Road (411), followed by DHA Phase 6 (380), Kahna (314), Shahdara (313), Burki Road (257) and Safari Park (246). IQAir also reported dangerously high readings from Ravi Road (336), Bedian Road (322), and Shadman Market (291).
Environmental experts warned that the pollution levels pose serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and people suffering from respiratory or heart diseases. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Kanwal Liaquat conducted a late-night inspection of the Saggian and River Ravi areas to review enforcement of anti-smog standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to sand-laden tractor-trolleys. She directed the transport and environment departments to ensure strict compliance and take action against violators.
She also inspected vehicles transporting plastic bags. The environment department seized 4,000kg of banned plastic bags from two vehicles and initiated legal action.
The parliamentary secretary, accompanied by the Lahore Environment Department's night squad, also inspected steel and rerolling mills along the Ring Road.
During the inspection, a mill was found operating despite having been sealed earlier. The department imposed a fine of Rs1 million, resealed the factory and handed over the staff responsible for violations to the police.
Environmental specialists urged the government to adopt sustained, long-term measures to combat worsening air quality in Lahore, warning that continued exposure could lead to a surge in respiratory, eye, and skin diseases.
According to health experts, both outdoor and indoor air pollution are linked to a wide range of harmful outcomes, affecting lung function, cognitive abilities and life expectancy.
Environmental experts noted that due to low morning temperatures, pollution particles remain suspended in the air for extended periods. To counter this, anti-smog guns are being deployed in areas with the highest pollution levels.
The Punjab government made the use of face masks mandatory for motorcyclists amid rising air pollution across the province.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed that the government has completed extensive preparations to minimise the impact of transboundary pollution.
Anti-smog guns and water sprinkling operations are being carried out in key areas including Karim Block, Multan Road, Ravi Bridge, Shahdara Flyover, Thokar Niaz Baig, Upper Mall Scheme, and GT Road.
Officials from the city administration have been instructed to ensure covering construction materials at ongoing sites and vehicles transporting goods are fully tarped to minimise dust emissions.
The EPA urged citizens to refrain from burning waste, a common practice in both rural and urban areas, that further intensifies particulate pollution.
Authorities plan to continue daily monitoring and publish updated AQI reports to guide the public to minimise the impact.
With additional input from APP