Lahore tops world’s most polluted cities list

Lahore has ranked first on the list of the world’s most polluted cities, with air quality reaching unhealthy levels across several areas of the city.

According to an international environmental monitoring website, Lahore recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 199, highlighting growing concerns about air pollution in the provincial capital.

The situation was more severe in some localities, with the AQI at the CERP office in Gulberg reaching 300, according to the environmental website.

Kahna Nau recorded an AQI of 244, while the reading on Burki Road stood at 224. Model Town recorded an AQI of 220, while D-Jins registered an AQI of 201.

The readings indicate significant variations in air quality across Lahore, with some areas experiencing substantially higher pollution levels than the citywide figure.

An AQI reading of 199 falls within the unhealthy range, while a reading of 300 is considered at the upper end of the very unhealthy category under commonly used AQI scales. Such conditions can pose health risks, particularly for children, older people and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.

Residents are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activities in areas with high pollution levels and take appropriate precautions, especially if they experience breathing difficulties or other symptoms.

The latest readings have renewed concerns about Lahore’s persistent air pollution and the need for effective measures to improve air quality. However, pollution levels can change throughout the day depending on weather conditions, traffic emissions and other sources of pollutants.