Lahore's air quality turns hazardous as city tops global ranking

Lahore’s air quality remained a major concern on Friday as the city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 410 on IQAir’s live tracker, placing it at the top of the world’s most polluted cities list.

The reading highlights the severity of the pollution problem facing Pakistan’s provincial capital, where smog has become a recurring issue, particularly during winter. Industrial activity, exhaust from vehicles, the burning of crop residue and weather conditions that restrict the movement of polluted air all contribute to the problem.

IQAir’s ranking placed India’s New Delhi in second position, with an AQI of 203, followed by Dakar in Senegal at 196. Lahore was the only Pakistani city among the 20 most polluted cities listed by the platform. Karachi also appeared in the wider ranking, recording an AQI of 110.

Fine particulate pollution is a key concern in Lahore. IQAir reported that the city’s PM2.5 concentration was 45.2 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s annual guideline level.

These tiny airborne particles, known as PM2.5, measure 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. They can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of serious health problems.

Long-term exposure can also affect other organs, including the brain.

Residents have been advised to limit their exposure to polluted air. IQAir recommends avoiding outdoor exercise, keeping windows shut, wearing a suitable mask outside and using an air purifier indoors.

The Punjab government’s monitoring system also reported poor air quality in Lahore. Its platform recorded an AQI of 339 at 11am on Thursday, based on readings from 10 monitoring stations across the city.