LAHORE: Several cities across Punjab are covered in thick air pollution as winter sets in, with Lahore once again topping the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Tuesday, recording a hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) level of 339.
The onset of winter has brought heavy smog across the province. In Faisalabad, air quality has reached alarming levels, with particulate matter readings soaring to 692 — far beyond the safe limit.
Other cities in Punjab are also facing worsening air quality. Kasur reported an AQI of 614, Patoki 531, Multan 479, and Sheikhupura 457, according to official data.
Health experts have urged citizens to wear masks and take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution.
Last year, Punjab experienced a similar wave of smog as winter began, forcing authorities to take emergency steps to curb pollution. The province struggled with dangerously high pollution levels, leading to widespread respiratory and health issues.
For several days, Lahore remained covered in a dense layer of smog, a toxic mix of fog, vehicle emissions, and smoke from crop burning. The worsening air quality was aggravated by low temperatures and stagnant air.
At one point, pollution levels in Lahore reached over 80 times the limit considered safe by the World Health Organization (WHO).
To protect citizens, the government had previously closed schools and restricted business hours for restaurants and markets, aiming to reduce public exposure to the hazardous conditions.