Lahore’s air quality index reaches 210, falling into ‘very unhealthy’ category as smog continues to affect city

Lahore’s air quality reached the “very unhealthy” category on Wednesday night, with the US Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 210 around 10pm, according to IQAir data.

The highest reading of 298 was recorded at the Urban Unit in Lahore Cantonment.

Kot Addu also reported hazardous air quality, with an AQI of 212. IQAir advised residents to reduce outdoor activities, wear masks, keep windows shut and use air purifiers where available.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) reported lower AQI readings across the province, with Kot Addu topping the list at 183. Vehari followed at 171, Jhelum at 169 and Sahiwal at 162.

Multan and Pakpattan both recorded 159, while Gujranwala stood at 157, Dera Ghazi Khan at 154 and Bhakkar at 153.

Sheikhupura recorded an AQI of 147, followed by Lahore at 143. Faisalabad and Khushab both reported 137, while Okara stood at 133, Bahawalpur at 127 and Mandi Bahauddin at 125.

Wazirabad registered 124, followed by Sialkot at 118, Sargodha at 115 and Murree at 114. Mianwali recorded 105, while Talagang and Rawalpindi reported 82 and 68, respectively. Jhang recorded 52, while Nankana Sahib had the lowest AQI in the province at 40.