Lahore

Lahore, Pakistan, remains the world’s most polluted city, with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 708 on Monday night. This severe pollution has led medical experts and the provincial government to advise residents to stay indoors and wear masks if they must go outside. Reports indicate that at 11 PM on Monday, the AQI peaked at 708, with a PM 2.5 concentration of 431 µg/m³, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guidelines.

Throughout the day, the AQI fluctuated, hitting a low of 246 between 4 and 5 PM. Some areas recorded even higher levels, such as 953 at the CERP office in Gulberg and 810 at Pakistan Engineering Services Ltd. Nearby cities like Kasur, Sheikhupura, Muridke, and Gujranwala are also facing similar air quality issues. Experts warn that without rain in the coming days, the situation could worsen.

In response, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s government has declared an emergency for Lahore, urging residents to wear masks and keep their windows closed. Schools have adjusted their timings, and parents are asked to follow safety precautions. Additionally, strict measures have been introduced against vehicles emitting smoke and non-compliant brick kilns. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb urged those with health issues to avoid outdoor activities and attributed some of the pollution to smog from India, despite Amritsar’s AQI being reported at just 189.