LAHORE: Pakistan’s cultural capital has once again ranked as the world’s most polluted city, according to the latest data released by Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir.
Lahore’s AQI Reaches “Very Unhealthy” Levels
As of Friday morning, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 232, placing it firmly in the “very unhealthy” category. Experts say the figure reflects the worsening environmental crisis that has gripped the city in recent years.
The report also highlights a broader regional trend, with Delhi (207), Cairo (183), and Kolkata (181) following closely behind in global pollution rankings.
Other Cities Among Top 10 Most Polluted
The other cities listed among the world’s top 10 most polluted include:
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Kinshasa (175)
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Dhaka (160)
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Karachi (159)
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Kuwait City (156)
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Tashkent (155)
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Jakarta (134)
This ranking underscores that South Asia and parts of Africa continue to suffer from dangerously high pollution levels, driven by rapid urbanisation and weak environmental regulation.
Experts Warn of Health Risks
Environmental experts have long warned that Lahore’s persistent smog problem poses serious threats to public health. The city’s toxic air is primarily linked to vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and crop residue burning in nearby agricultural districts.
Health professionals caution that prolonged exposure to such pollution levels can lead to respiratory diseases, heart problems, and reduced life expectancy, particularly among children and the elderly.
Authorities Struggle with Enforcement
Punjab authorities have previously announced several measures to combat smog — including bans on crop burning, vehicle emission checks, and temporary shutdowns of polluting factories. However, environmental monitors report that implementation remains inconsistent, allowing the crisis to persist year after year.
Experts stress that sustained policy enforcement, cleaner transport systems, and industrial reforms are crucial to reversing Lahore’s deteriorating air quality.
