Lahore (The COW News Digital) The air quality crisis in Punjab has reached alarming new heights, as Lahore once again ranked as the world’s most polluted city on Wednesday, according to global monitoring agency IQAir.
At 6 a.m., the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at a hazardous 403, a level considered extremely dangerous to human health. In comparison, India’s capital New Delhi reported an AQI of 235 at the same time — significantly lower than Lahore’s pollution levels.
Data from the Punjab Environmental Protection Department revealed that several areas of Lahore experienced critical pollution levels early in the morning. Kahna Nau, GT Road, and Egerton Road recorded AQI readings touching 500, placing them in the “severe hazard” category. Other high readings included 391 in Shahdara, 371 in DHA Phase 6, 361 on Burki Road, 344 on Multan Road, and 339 near Safari Park. The Punjab University area reported 303, while relatively cleaner air was observed at Wagah Border with a reading of 176.
The pollution trend extended beyond Lahore, with alarming readings across other Punjab cities. Sargodha recorded 344, Faisalabad 296, Multan 287, Gujranwala 274, Kasur 257, Sheikhupura 245, Dera Ghazi Khan 217, Sialkot 162, Bahawalpur 154, and Rawalpindi 130.
Officials predict Lahore’s average AQI will fluctuate between 245 and 275 throughout the day, with pollution intensifying between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. due to traffic congestion and lower morning temperatures. Some improvement is expected around midday, when AQI could drop to 180, before rising again in the evening — potentially reaching 345 by 11 p.m.
Environmental experts warn that the city’s persistent pollution stems from vehicular emissions, waste burning, and dust particles, particularly PM10, which continues to rise sharply. Historical data shows that October and November have consistently been Lahore’s most polluted months over the past four years.
In 2022, the city’s average October AQI was 182, improving to 128 in 2023, but worsening again to 163 in 2024 and 171 in 2025. Not a single day during these years recorded “good” air quality.
According to Ali Ejaz, Deputy Director at the Lahore Environmental Protection Department, the main contributors to smog are crop residue burning, vehicle smoke, and seasonal weather patterns. He urged citizens to wear masks, avoid burning waste, and maintain vehicles properly to help reduce emissions.
