LAHORE – Lahore, capital city of Punjab province of Pakistan, has become the world’s most polluted city after its Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 332 on Monday morning, according to Pakistan’s Environmental Protection Agency.
The alarming rise in air pollution placed Lahore above major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, which ranked second and third respectively.
Other cities in Punjab also reported hazardous air quality. Faisalabad followed closely with an AQI of 325, while Sheikhupura recorded 311. Dera Ghazi Khan stood at 239, Gujranwala at 233, and Multan at 224.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s classification, an AQI between 0 to 100 is considered healthy. Levels between 101 and 200 are categorized as polluted but tolerable. However, any AQI from 300 to 500 falls under the “highly polluted” or “hazardous” category, posing serious health risks — particularly to individuals with heart and lung conditions.
The agency warns that prolonged exposure to such levels of pollution can severely impact even healthy individuals, while those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular issues may experience immediate difficulty in breathing.
If the AQI surpasses 500, it is considered extremely hazardous, with potentially severe health effects for the general population.
Authorities and health experts have urged residents to take precautionary measures, limit outdoor activities, and wear protective masks during high-pollution hours.
