LAHORE: Air pollution gripped most cities across the country on Saturday, with Lahore ranking as the world’s second most polluted city after recording a particulate matter level of 286.
Karachi stood third on the Air Quality Index with a reading of 233, while Peshawar reported the poorest air quality in Pakistan, with particulate matter reaching 537.
Other cities also saw alarming pollution levels. Faisalabad recorded a reading of 384, Khanewal 304, and Multan 208 particulate matter.
According to the Commission for Air Quality Management, the decline in air quality was attributed to high moisture levels and a shift in wind direction. These conditions prevented pollutants from dispersing and contributed to the formation of smog.
Punjab faced similar conditions last winter, when air pollution and smog became a serious concern. Despite efforts by authorities to control the situation, pollution levels increased sharply, posing significant risks to public health.
Lahore remained under a thick blanket of smog for several days, created by a combination of fog and pollutants. The main sources included emissions from low-quality diesel, smoke from seasonal crop burning, and falling temperatures that trapped polluted air.