Air pollution across Punjab reached alarming levels on Saturday, with Lahore once again topping the global list of the world’s most polluted cities, according to Swiss air quality group IQAir. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 363 — a level considered extremely hazardous to human health.
Faisalabad, however, recorded an even deadlier AQI of 539, placing it among the most toxic cities globally. Gujranwala followed at 239, Multan at 227, and Sialkot at 191. Experts warn that vehicular emissions, industrial waste, crop burning, and cross-border smog from India are driving the crisis.
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Environmental analysts say stagnant winter weather and low wind speeds trap pollutants close to the ground, intensifying the smog between October and February. The World Health Organization estimates seven million annual deaths worldwide due to air pollution.
Experts urge citizens to limit outdoor exposure, wear protective masks, and use air purifiers, while demanding urgent government action to prevent Pakistan’s air from turning permanently toxic.
