Lahore records world’s second-highest air pollution level amid persistent smog across Punjab

LAHORE: Lahore ranked as the second most polluted major city in the world on Monday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 199, according to IQAir’s live air quality map.

Air pollution remains a major concern across Punjab, with conditions expected to worsen as smog sets in during the coming winter months.

Lahore’s global ranking and AQI fluctuated throughout the day. According to IQAir’s page for Lahore, the city’s AQI stood at 139 at 3 pm on October 26.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was the primary pollutant, with a concentration of 51 micrograms per cubic metre, placing the city in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category under the US AQI system.

Air pollution levels also varied across other cities in Punjab. Pakpattan recorded an AQI of 210, followed by Multan at 204 and Sargodha at 195. Vehari recorded an AQI of 178, Kot Addu 176, Dera Ghazi Khan 165 and Khushab 160.

The readings show significant variations in pollution levels across Punjab, with several districts recording higher AQI scores than Lahore. Under the US AQI scale, readings between 151 and 200 are classified as unhealthy, while scores above 200 fall into the very unhealthy category.