Lahore( The COW News Digital) The smog crisis in Lahore continues to worsen as the city once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a dangerous level of 420 on Tuesday morning. The alarming rise in pollution has prompted health warnings and renewed calls for urgent government action.
According to data released by IQAir, a global air monitoring organization, Lahore recorded the highest pollution levels among major cities, surpassing New Delhi, Dhaka, and Kolkata, which ranked second, third, and fourth respectively. Karachi also featured in the top five, recording an AQI of 165, indicating unhealthy air quality.
Environmental experts attribute the persistent smog to a combination of factors — including vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and crop residue burning in nearby agricultural regions. Calm winds and low temperatures have further trapped particulate matter near the ground, turning Lahore’s skyline into a thick gray haze.
In other major Punjab cities, air quality also remained hazardous. Faisalabad recorded a particulate matter count of 622, Multan at 485, and Bahawalpur at 255, far exceeding safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Health professionals have issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors, wear N95 masks, and avoid outdoor exercise, particularly in the early morning and evening hours when smog levels peak. Prolonged exposure to such conditions, doctors warn, can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and cardiovascular complications, especially among children and the elderly.
Speaking to local media, environmental scientist Dr. Saad Malik said, “The AQI readings in Lahore are now at life-threatening levels. Without immediate policy enforcement, we risk a full-blown public health emergency.”
Authorities have hinted at potential restrictions on industrial operations, vehicle inspections, and temporary school closures if the situation does not improve. Meanwhile, residents have criticized the government for failing to implement a long-term strategy to combat smog, which has become an annual menace across Punjab.
Experts emphasize that sustainable urban planning, green transportation initiatives, and agricultural reforms are essential to reducing pollution in the region.
For now, Lahore’s residents continue to battle through dense, choking air — a grim reminder of South Asia’s deepening environmental crisis.
