Punjab’s capital Lahore was ranked the most polluted city in the world on Sunday, as thick smog continued to blanket the metropolis and surrounding areas, severely impacting visibility and air quality.
According to data from the global air quality monitoring platform IQAir, Lahore’s US Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 349 at 9:43am, placing it in the “hazardous” category.
The PM2.5 concentration was recorded at 249.5 µg/m³ — nearly 50 times above the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended annual air quality guideline.
The toxic haze has left the city shrouded for days, reducing visibility and causing widespread health complaints, including throat irritation, breathing difficulties and itchy eyes. Public health experts have advised residents to limit outdoor activity and wear protective masks when necessary.
The severe air quality coincides with the onset of winter, when cooler temperatures, stagnant winds, and emissions from vehicles, factories and crop burning trap pollutants close to the ground across Punjab.
In contrast, Karachi recorded a US AQI of 165 classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, with PM2.5 levels reaching 74.8 µg/m³, which is 15 times above the WHO’s recommended limit. The port city is ranked fifth in list most polluted cities in the world.
Meanwhile, India’s capital, New Delhi, is also grappling with significant air pollution levels, ranking second among the most polluted cities with an AQI of 327, categorised as very unhealthy.
The PM2.5 concentration in the Indian capital reached 448 µg/m³, primarily attributed to vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and stubble burning in neighbouring regions.
Every winter, much of South Asia experiences a surge in pollution as cold air traps fine particles near the surface. Emissions from transport, factories, construction dust and crop residue burning all contribute to the dense smog that lingers for weeks.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels can lead to severe health issues, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory illnesses — a growing concern for millions across South Asia.
Meanwhile, Punjab’s first advanced Smog Monitoring and Control Centre, equipped with modern technology, is continuously collecting air quality data. Anti-smog guns are also being deployed at identified smog hotspots across Lahore in a bid to reduce particulate pollution.
