LAHORE – Lahore once again ranked the world’s most polluted major cities, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 298 on Thursday morning, October 29, 2026, according to the figures provided by IQAir.
The air quality was classified as “very unhealthy,” indicating a heightened risk of adverse health effects across the population. Health alerts apply to everyone, with the potential for serious health impacts extending beyond particularly vulnerable groups.
According to the reported data for 8am, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was the main pollutant in Lahore, reaching 223 micrograms per cubic metre. The city’s temperature stood at 23 degrees Celsius, with wind speeds recorded at 4 kilometres per hour and humidity at 22 per cent.
Lahore ranked first among major cities worldwide in the reported air pollution rankings, ahead of India’s Delhi, which recorded an AQI of 255. Tashkent ranked third with 183, followed by Bishkek at 181 and Hanoi at 179.
Most Polluted Area in Lahore on 29 October
Air quality readings also varied considerably across monitoring stations in Lahore. The CERP Office station recorded an AQI of 585, the highest among the listed locations, while Allama Iqbal Town B registered 416. AirWatchPakistan – RG recorded 318, ARC, Lahore, reported 310, and Cantonment registered 295.
Other locations also reported elevated pollution levels, including A Block in Model Town at 281, Bedian Thethar Road at 278, B Block in Phase 5 of DHA at 270, Burki Road Paragon at 254, and Askari 10 at 203.
