Lahore Tops Global Pollution Rankings Amid Health Crisis

Lahore [Pakistan], December 2: Lahore continues to hold the grim title of the world’s most polluted city, with hazardous air quality readings endangering public health. According to ARY News, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) currently stands at a hazardous 303 points, far exceeding safe levels.

Other major cities in Pakistan are also grappling with poor air quality. Multan recorded an AQI of 268, Peshawar 230, and Karachi 215—all categorized as hazardous and posing severe health risks to residents.

The arrival of winter has exacerbated air pollution levels in Punjab, particularly in Lahore, where smog has enveloped the city for days. The pollution is attributed to a mix of vehicle emissions, smoke from crop burning, and stagnant cold weather. These conditions make breathing difficult for residents and pose long-term health risks, as per ARY News.

Experts warn that the sustained exposure to such high pollution levels will significantly harm public health, especially among vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. Previously, air pollution was responsible for 12% of deaths in children under five in Pakistan, according to The Express Tribune. The current smog emergency could lead to a sharp rise in these numbers if immediate action is not taken.

In response to the worsening crisis, authorities have implemented measures to mitigate exposure. Schools have been closed, and operational hours for eateries, businesses, and markets have been restricted. Despite these efforts, the pollution crisis underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive solutions to combat Lahore’s deteriorating air quality and safeguard public health.