NATIONAL NEWS
LAHORE: Punjab’s capital city remains engulfed in dense smog as Lahore once again ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, placing second on the global Air Quality Index (AQI) charts, according to international environmental monitoring groups.
On Tuesday, Lahore’s AQI soared to an alarming 455, with several areas reporting hazardous readings far beyond safe limits. Ravi Road recorded an astonishing 855, followed by Punjab University’s surroundings at 742, Model Town at 682, and Sanda Road at 618.
The smog situation isn’t confined to Lahore alone. Other major cities in Punjab are also battling severe air contamination — Bahawalpur registered an AQI of 620, Multan 571, Faisalabad 418, and Gujranwala 340.
In comparison, Delhi currently tops the global pollution ranking with an AQI of 761.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that Lahore’s temperature fluctuated between 12°C and 26°C, accompanied by 65% humidity and mild winds at 5 km/h — conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening the smog.
Medical experts have issued strong warnings about the health hazards caused by the toxic air, urging residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and wear protective masks when outdoors. They also caution against early morning activities when pollution levels typically peak.
Authorities are maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of air quality and have once again appealed to the public to take preventive measures, as pollution levels remain critically high and continue to threaten public health across the province.
