Lahore tops global pollution ranking once again

Staff Report

LAHORE: Lahore once again found itself at the top of IQAir’s global ranking of the most polluted major cities on Friday, with air quality reaching the “unhealthy” level. The development came as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government was taking measures to tackle environmental problems.

Air pollution remains a major public health concern in Pakistan, particularly during the smog season. Lahore and several other cities regularly experience deteriorating air quality, with emissions from vehicles and industries, crop-residue burning and stagnant air among the factors associated with the problem.

According to IQAir’s live tracker, Lahore recorded an AQI of 167 on Friday morning, placing it first on the global list. Dhaka followed with an AQI of 164, while Cairo ranked third at 158.

The city’s position later improved, with Lahore standing 10th in the global ranking and recording an AQI of 149 at around 2pm.

Lahore was the only Pakistani city among the 30 most polluted cities listed by IQAir during the morning. Karachi was the next Pakistani city on the 125-city ranking, standing at 34th with an AQI of 69. Karachi later moved to 23rd place, with its AQI rising to 75 by 2pm, according to the report.

IQAir’s Lahore data indicated that PM2.5 levels were substantially above the World Health Organisation’s annual guideline. PM2.5 consists of extremely small particles that can be inhaled deep into the respiratory system and are associated with significant health risks when exposure persists.

The monitoring platform advised Lahore residents to limit strenuous outdoor activities, keep windows closed where possible, use masks outdoors and consider air purification indoors.

Meanwhile, during a televised address to senior officials in Lahore on Friday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the provincial administration was working to improve environmental conditions.

She said Lahore and parts of Punjab had experienced what she described as a “smog shutdown” during September and October for several years. According to her, smog levels had declined over the past three years, although the problem had not disappeared completely.

Lahore had also reached the top of IQAir’s global pollution ranking in January this year, when its AQI reportedly climbed to 452. Earlier this week, an analysis by the European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service identified Lahore among cities experiencing “extremely poor” ozone conditions.