Lahore Retains Title of World’s Most Polluted City Amid Hazardous Smog
Air quality across Punjab continued its alarming decline on Saturday, with Lahore once again ranking as the world’s most polluted city for the fourth straight day. Thick, choking smog blanketed the provincial capital, drastically reducing visibility and exposing millions of residents to severe health risks.
According to IQAir, a global air-quality monitoring platform, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) shot up to a staggering 577 in the early morning—categorised as ‘hazardous’ and far beyond safe exposure levels. Though the city’s air quality slightly improved by evening, dropping it to the second spot on the global pollution index, the numbers remained dangerously high.
At 8pm, AQI readings from various sites across Lahore painted an equally troubling picture:
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DHA Phase 8: 448
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Gurumangat Road: 342
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AC Office Shalimar Complex, Wahga: 305
Other major Punjab cities also faced toxic air. Gujranwala recorded an AQI of 632, while Sialkot hit 462, both signalling extremely hazardous conditions. Environmental experts warn that prolonged exposure to such pollution can trigger respiratory diseases, eye irritation, severe throat infections, and long-term health complications. Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor movement, wear masks, and take all necessary precautions.
Crackdowns, Campaigns, and Weather Forecasts as Smog Crisis Deepens
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted dry weather across most of Punjab but warned that smog is likely to intensify in several plain regions. Cold and dry conditions—especially in Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir—may also contribute to stagnant air that traps pollutants near the ground.
In response to the worsening crisis, a smog-awareness campaign was launched at Lahore’s China Chowk, where volunteers distributed masks and urged citizens to conduct vehicle emission tests. The initiative, led by Uzma Aamir Butt of the Nawaz Sharif Lovers group, stressed the importance of avoiding outdoor exposure without protective gear.
Punjab Police continued its aggressive anti-smog crackdown, registering 28 cases in the past 24 hours across multiple districts, including Lahore. Authorities imposed Rs915,000 in fines on 499 individuals, while 44 people received warnings. Violations reported included:
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26 cases of crop-residue burning
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227 smoke-emitting vehicles
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5 brick-kiln violations
On a broader scale, police records for the current year show:
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2,548 cases registered
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2,278 violators arrested
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Rs192.3 million in fines imposed
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91,518 individuals warned
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Major violations included 1,652 crop-burning cases, 54,850 smoke-emitting vehicles, 1,407 industrial violations, and 2,117 brick-kiln breaches
Punjab IGP Dr. Usman Anwar has directed officials to intensify enforcement under a strict zero-tolerance policy across highways, industrial zones, and agricultural belts, stressing swift action against all violators.
As smog continues to suffocate Punjab, the province stands on the brink of a full-fledged environmental emergency—one demanding urgent action, stricter control measures, and unwavering public cooperation.
