LAHORE: Lahore and several other Punjab cities faced hazardous air pollution on Thursday as winter conditions set in. Lahore ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, while monitoring stations recorded especially high readings in parts of the province.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 536 in Raiwind, and particulate matter levels in Lahore’s Kahna area climbed to 460. Other reported AQI readings included 418 in Sargodha, 380 in Bahawalpur, 374 in Multan, 371 in Faisalabad and 367 in Gujranwala.
Smog has returned with the onset of colder weather, prompting authorities to step up efforts to curb pollution. Lahore’s recurring winter haze is linked to a combination of vehicle emissions, including fumes from low-grade diesel, and smoke from seasonal crop burning. Cooler temperatures can also trap pollutants close to the ground.
At its worst, pollution in Lahore has exceeded 80 times the World Health Organization’s recommended level, posing serious risks to public health.
