Lahore ranks third among world’s most polluted cities as smog worsens

LAHORE: Lahore ranked the world’s third most polluted city on Wednesday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 231, as authorities stepped up efforts to tackle worsening air pollution across Punjab.

Cairo and New Delhi topped the real-time global pollution ranking, both recording an AQI of 247, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring company.

The figures were recorded between 10am and 11am on October 28.

Lahore’s air quality was classified as very unhealthy, posing health risks, particularly for children, older people and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

An AQI reading of 201 to 300 falls in the very unhealthy category under the US air quality index.

Karachi ranked seventh globally with an AQI of 160, while Tashkent in Uzbekistan stood fourth at 198 and Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan fifth at 179.

The worsening air quality comes as Punjab authorities intensified anti-smog operations ahead of the winter season, when cooler temperatures, reduced wind circulation and atmospheric conditions trap pollutants close to the ground.

On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, field teams have been mobilised to carry out anti-smog measures across the province.

Authorities said they were using smog guns and sprinkling water on major roads to suppress dust and airborne particles.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has urged residents to cooperate with the government’s efforts, advising them to avoid unnecessary travel and reduce the use of private vehicles to help limit emissions and pollution.

Air pollution in Lahore is driven by a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, waste burning and seasonal crop-residue burning in the wider region.

Weather conditions during the colder months can exacerbate the problem by preventing pollutants from dispersing.

Exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, can aggravate asthma and other respiratory illnesses and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Health authorities generally advise people to limit prolonged outdoor activity when pollution levels are high, especially those in vulnerable groups.

IQAir’s real-time city rankings can change throughout the day as pollution levels and weather conditions fluctuate. The ranking reflects conditions during the reported period rather than a city’s annual average air pollution level.