LAHORE (Dunya News) - The city of gardens continues to struggle with hazardous air quality as Lahore once again ranked the second most polluted city in the world on Sunday.
According to an international environmental monitoring website, the city’s average smog level was recorded at 429, placing it in the “hazardous” category. Several localities reported even more alarming readings, with Ravi Road registering an AQI of 1198, Lower Mall at 810, and the area surrounding FC College recording 706 on the Air Quality Index.
While Lahore remains among the worst-hit, the report reveals that Gujranwala is currently the most polluted city in Pakistan, where the AQI surged to 593. Other major cities are also grappling with poor air quality, with Faisalabad recording an AQI of 365, Multan at 299, and Peshawar touching 172.
Across the border, India’s capital New Delhi topped the global list, where the AQI climbed to an alarming 702, reflecting a widespread regional air pollution crisis.
Read also: Smog strangles Punjab, Lahore ranks 2nd most polluted globally
Health experts have issued renewed warnings, advising residents to wear masks, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, and increase the use of air purifiers indoors. Medical professionals caution that the persistently toxic air poses serious risks, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiac conditions.
Environmental analysts say the deteriorating air quality is driven by a combination of factors, including crop residue burning, dense traffic emissions, and industrial pollution. They have urged authorities to take urgent and coordinated action to curb smog levels, stressing that delays could push the region into a prolonged public health emergency.