Lahore has once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted major cities, with air quality reaching extremely hazardous levels across several parts of the city.
According to IQAir, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 453, placing it at the top of the global ranking. India’s capital, New Delhi, stood second with an AQI of 224.
Several areas of Lahore reported even higher pollution levels. IQAir readings showed an AQI of 706 at the CERP office, 690 in Allama Iqbal Town and 639 along Burki Road near Paragon. Raiwind recorded 509, while Kahna Nau reached 511. Another monitoring location in the city reported an AQI of 459.
Data from the Punjab Air Quality Monitoring system also indicated severe pollution across Lahore. Multan Road recorded an AQI of 500, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 541.1 micrograms per cubic metre and PM10 levels standing at 1,398.3 micrograms per cubic metre.
Safari Park and GT Road also reported AQI readings of 500. Meanwhile, Kahna Nau recorded 490, Gulberg III stood at 475 and Egerton Road registered 432.
Other areas were also affected, with Shahdara and DHA Phase 6 recording AQI levels of 392, Burki Road 390, Punjab University 373 and Wagah Border 256.
Air pollution remained severe in other parts of Punjab as well. Multan recorded an AQI of 828, while Gujranwala registered 565. Kahna Nau also reported a reading of 511.
Despite ongoing anti-smog measures, hazardous air quality continues to affect numerous areas of Lahore and other cities across Punjab.
The persistently high pollution levels have raised serious concerns about public health, particularly for children, elderly people and those with respiratory conditions.
