Lahore has once again ranked among the world’s most polluted cities. According to the global air quality index IQAir, Lahore stood second after New Delhi on Thursday, with an AQI of 237, while Karachi recorded 179. Dera Ghazi Khan topped Punjab’s pollution chart with an alarming AQI of 461, followed by Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Sheikhupura.
Within Lahore, hazardous readings were recorded in Multan Road (411), DHA Phase 6 (380), and Shahdara (313). Experts warned that such levels pose severe health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory or heart conditions.
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Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Kanwal Liaquat conducted late-night inspections at Saggian and River Ravi, ordering strict enforcement of anti-smog SOPs and seizing 4,000kg of banned plastic bags. A steel mill found operating illegally was fined Rs1 million and resealed.
The Punjab government has made face masks mandatory for motorcyclists and deployed anti-smog guns in high-pollution zones, while officials urge citizens to avoid waste burning and limit outdoor exposure.
