LAHORE: : Despite the Punjab Government’s tall claims regarding countering pollution through introduction of anti-smog guns, Lahore has once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, while Karachi, the country’s largest metropolis, ranked fourth, according to the global air quality monitoring organization IQAir.
As of Friday morning around 9:30 a.m., Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 312, followed by India’s capital New Delhi at 206, Kolkata at 174, and Karachi at 173. Lahore’s overall smog level averaged 362, with the highest reading of 589 reported in Allama Iqbal Town.
Punjab’s Air Quality Index data revealed even more alarming figures across several cities, Chak Jhumra recorded a dangerously high AQI of 664, Faisalabad 579, Raiwind 470, Kasur 439, and Pattoki 362. The air quality in Multan was also reported to be poor.
Environmental experts warned that such levels of pollution pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those suffering from respiratory illnesses. They advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
In the wake of worsening smog, hospitals across Punjab are seeing a surge in patients suffering from respiratory, throat, and chest infections, with children being the most affected.
Meanwhile, Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that smog could severely disrupt daily life and business activities if left unchecked.
Speaking at Kinnaird College in Lahore, she noted that for the first time in Punjab’s history, a ban on plastic bags has been enforced. “We cannot control air pollution without public cooperation,” she stressed.
Maryam Aurangzeb, however, added that the government is addressing the root causes of smog, introducing measures to improve the AQI, and shifting brick kilns to zigzag technology. A province-wide Smog War Room has been established along with a dedicated helpline for reporting violations.
