Pollution pervades numerous cities in Punjab, resulting in unsanitary air quality.

On Sunday, smog enveloped multiple cities in Punjab, with Lahore ranking as the second most polluted city globally according to the air quality index.

The air quality in Lahore deteriorated significantly, with an AQI of 346, while Karachi ranked third globally in air pollution, registering a particle matter level of 206.

New Delhi, the capital of India, retained its status as the most polluted city globally, with an air quality index of 467.

Faisalabad was the most polluted city in Pakistan, with an AQI of 401, followed by Gujranwala at 380 and Multan at 263.

Air pollution and smog plague Punjab cities with the arrival of winter. Last year, provincial authorities undertook urgent measures to mitigate smog. The province contended with extreme air pollution, which escalated to concerning levels, resulting in significant public health problems.

Lahore was shrouded in smog for many days, a combination of fog and toxins resulting from inferior diesel emissions and smoke from seasonal agricultural burning as temperatures decreased with the arrival of cooler air.

Last year, air pollution levels in Lahore exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) sanitary threshold by more than 80 times.

The government shuttered schools and imposed restrictions on the operating hours of restaurants, companies, and markets to protect the population from the detrimental effects of harmful pollution and health issues.