LAHORE (TDI): Lahore’s air quality remained “hazardous” on Friday, marking the 12th consecutive day of severe pollution.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 810, solidifying Lahore’s position as the world’s most polluted city, according to real-time data from IQAir. The city was followed by Delhi, which recorded an AQI of 649.
Meanwhile, Multan recorded the highest AQI in Pakistan, with a reading of 812, followed by Lahore and Rawalpindi, which had an AQI of 275.
On Thursday, Lahore had recorded its worst AQI of the year at 1155.
The concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is a major health concern, reached 481 micrograms per cubic meter in Lahore—more than 96 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit for safe air quality.
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With over 14 million residents, Lahore continues to face a serious air pollution crisis, affecting the health and wellbeing of its population. According to the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute, the poor air quality has shortened life expectancy in Lahore by an average of 7.5 years.
The AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows:
0–50: Good
51–100: Moderate
101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
151–200: Unhealthy
201–300: Very Unhealthy
301 and above: Hazardous
To mitigate the crisis, the Punjab government has closed schools, parks, zoos, playgrounds, historical sites, and museums in smog-affected districts, including Lahore.
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Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal described the smog as a grave threat, warning that it could lead to 250,000 premature deaths.
As the situation continues to worsen, the smog in Lahore and Multan, two major cities in Punjab, remains a pressing concern, with Lahore holding the dubious distinction of being the world’s most polluted city for multiple days this week.
