Lahore ranks world’s most polluted city as cross border pollution worsens air quality

Air pollution has risen in several cities in Punjab, with Lahore once again named the world’s most polluted city, as smog from India’s Diwali celebrations and polluted air in the Indian state of Punjab add to the region’s environmental woes.

According to the latest data, the average air quality index (AQI) of the provincial capital is 303, indicating unhealthy atmospheric conditions. Pollution levels were particularly alarming in several parts of Lahore. Gulberg II recorded an AQI of 639, while the reading reached 475 along Syed Maratib Ali Road and 470 in Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate. Barki Road recorded 370 cases while Allama Iqbal Town recorded 342 cases.

Air quality in other major cities of Punjab has also become dangerous. Multan reported an AQI of 971, while Bahawalpur’s AQI was 796, reflecting the widespread impact of deteriorating environmental conditions across the province.

According to the meteorological department, the temperature in Lahore is expected to be between 18 and 29 degrees Celsius. Wind speed was recorded at just two kilometres per hour, while humidity reached 70 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has stepped up enforcement measures to tackle pollution from local sources. Senior provincial minister Maria Aurangzeb said authorities are continuing to crack down on activities causing air quality degradation and relevant departments are actively monitoring the situation on the ground.

She added that areas with higher air quality scores are undergoing anti-smog operations, including the use of smoke control guns and water jets to help reduce air pollution. As part of the enforcement campaign, officials inspected 28 industrial facilities across the province. Subsequently, three industrial blocks and 11 brick kilns were sealed due to violations.