AQI in Lahore reaches hazardous level of above 1000

LAHORE: Despite the Punjab government’s aggressive initiative to tackle the worsening smog, Lahore has become the world’s most polluted city, recording a shocking Air Quality Index (AQI) level of above 1000 on Saturday morning.

The city’s air quality has hit a new season high, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1067, marking a serious escalation in pollution levels. DHA Phase 8 has been reported as the most affected area with an alarming AQI of 1319, followed closely by DHA Phase 5 at 1209.

Shimla Pahari, known for its Green Lockdown initiative, recorded an AQI of 1007, highlighting the severity of the air quality crisis.

The previous peak for this season was recorded on October 26, with an AQI level of 707 in Lahore.

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This hazardous level of pollution poses severe health risks to residents, leading to coughing, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and skin infections.

An AQI over 100 is considered unhealthy, with levels exceeding 150 classified as ‘very unhealthy’. Lahore’s alarming pollution crisis is primarily driven by crop residue burning and industrial emissions.

Health officials are on alert as residents face severe risks from the increasingly toxic air, urging immediate preventive measures as smog continues to blanket Lahore.