Air quality in Lahore has deteriorated to dangerous levels, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 710, severely endangering residents’ health. In Shadman, international air monitors recorded a staggering AQI of 1007, while Defense Phase 5 and Gulberg registered 931, Davies Road at 798, Defense Phase 8 at 791, The Mall Road at 743, and Ghazi Road at 710. These alarming levels reflect pollutant concentrations 86.2 times above the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limits.
In response, Lahore authorities have closed schools and colleges, moving classes online, and made masks mandatory, though compliance remains low. The worsening pollution has also led to the postponement of the Lahore Youth Festival.
In Multan, which records an AQI of 402, the city is now Pakistan’s second-most polluted. All public and private educational institutions are closed until November 17, yet children continue to play outside without masks. Gujranwala, also grappling with thick smog, has shut down schools and colleges until November 17, though residents express frustration over inadequate action against smoke-emitting factories fueling pollution.
In Faisalabad, an AQI of 228 has prompted citywide school closures. Citizens suffer from respiratory problems, while the district administration is criticized for its lackluster response. Despite some efforts by the Environment Department, including sealing five factories, fining violators, and mandating mask-wearing, many residents continue to ignore health precautions.
