Lahore experienced another severe air pollution episode on Sunday, November 1, as thick smog covered several parts of the city and pushed air quality into the hazardous category.
According to the reported IQAir readings, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 420, placing it among the world’s most polluted major cities during the monitoring period.
Meanwhile, Punjab government monitoring data showed an even higher AQI of 478 in Lahore at around 7am.
The worsening air quality raised concerns about the health of millions of residents, particularly children, elderly people and those with respiratory conditions.
The latest figures highlighted the growing smog problem across Punjab as several cities continued to experience dangerously high pollution levels.
According to the reported global rankings, Tashkent in Uzbekistan recorded an AQI of 196, followed by Karachi at 170, Dhaka at 166 and New Delhi at 156.
The figures showed a substantial gap between Lahore and other cities included in the reported ranking.
Gujranwala also experienced extremely poor air quality, recording an AQI of 500 in the supplied Punjab government monitoring figures. Lahore followed with 478, while Sheikhupura recorded 336.
Other affected cities included Nankana Sahib at 326, Dera Ghazi Khan at 317, Hafizabad at 312, Jhang at 297 and Khushab at 273.
Several neighbourhoods in Lahore also reported exceptionally high pollution levels. Monitoring stations in Barki Road, Shahdara, Kahna Nau, Multan Road, Punjab University and GT Road reportedly recorded AQI readings of 500.
Gulberg III, Wagah Border and Egerton Road were also among the locations experiencing severe air pollution.
Weak wind conditions may have contributed to the accumulation of polluted air over Lahore. Weather observations provided in the initial report showed a temperature of 19 degrees Celsius at 7am, with relative humidity at 84 percent and wind speed at just 0.3 metres per second.
Low wind speeds can reduce the dispersal of airborne pollutants, allowing harmful particles to remain concentrated near the ground.
Vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust and the burning of waste and crop residue can also contribute to worsening air quality. However, the contribution of individual sources requires detailed environmental monitoring.
The hazardous pollution levels have increased concerns about respiratory and cardiovascular health. Exposure to polluted air can cause coughing, throat irritation, breathing difficulties and other health problems.
Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, is especially concerning because these tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Children, elderly people, pregnant women and individuals with asthma or heart and lung conditions are among the groups facing greater health risks.
Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during periods of severe smog. People who need to travel outside can reduce exposure by wearing a well-fitting N95 or equivalent respirator.
Keeping windows closed during periods of heavy pollution and using indoor air filtration where available can also help reduce exposure.
The latest readings underline the continuing air quality challenges facing Lahore and other Punjab districts. With multiple cities recording hazardous pollution levels, effective monitoring and pollution-control measures remain important for protecting public health.
In other news read more about: Is Lahore Becoming the World’s Most Polluted City? AQI Hits an Alarming 344
Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency and other official air quality monitoring platforms.
