Lahore continues to dominate global pollution charts, with hazardous air quality levels recorded across multiple locations, placing it as the most polluted city in the world. On Thursday, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 515, according to IQAir, far exceeding the “hazardous” threshold. In comparison, New Delhi ranked second with an AQI of 459.
The situation in Lahore’s localities is alarming. The AQI was recorded at 985 near City School, Allama Iqbal Town; 816 at FF Pakistan; and 725 in Saddar Cantonment. Several other areas, including Wildlife & Parks, Hiking & Mountaineering, and Ravi Camp, also reported levels between 657 and 702, making the air extremely unsafe for breathing.
Punjab’s Air Quality Index data further revealed that AQI levels surpassed 500 in various regions of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, and Kasur, while Faisalabad (413), Sargodha (392), and Dera Ghazi Khan (374) also faced severe pollution. Air quality in Multan (275) and Bahawalpur (198) was slightly better but still unhealthy. Even Rawalpindi (140) and Sialkot (196) recorded concerning levels.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered immediate action to control pollution, including the closure of construction sites and buildings violating environmental rules. She also directed the district administrations, police, and agriculture department to strengthen night-time monitoring and ensure strict enforcement of anti-smog measures.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, polluted air masses from India’s Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh are entering Lahore and central Punjab through easterly winds blowing at low speeds (3–6 mph), causing pollutants to stagnate close to the surface. The situation is being worsened by crop residue burning in Indian Punjab.
Experts warn that falling night-time temperatures are likely to increase smog density. Forecasts suggest that on October 30, Lahore’s AQI will stay between 270 and 320, placing it in the “unhealthy to very unhealthy” range.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported significant enforcement activity, including the demolition of an illegal brick kiln and the seizure of over 400 tons of substandard plastic for recycling. Drone monitoring has also helped reduce incidents of stubble burning across Punjab.
The EPA advised citizens to limit outdoor exposure between 12 PM and 3 PM and after 7 PM, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with asthma or heart disease. Authorities have also urged residents to avoid car use during rush hours, adopt carpooling, and refrain from using smoke-emitting vehicles.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that Punjab is moving toward a “climate-resilient paradigm shift”, emphasizing green policies, stricter inspections, and a zero-tolerance policy against pollution sources such as construction dust, vehicular emissions, and plastic use.
Additionally, the Department of Agriculture has announced plans to implement a mechanization program by 2026 to help farmers manage crop residues through modern machinery instead of open burning.
Environmental experts caution that unless weather conditions improve, Lahore and other cities in central Punjab will continue to face severe pollution levels in the coming days, posing serious health risks for millions of residents.
