Kasur has topped the list of Punjab’s most polluted cities with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 321, placing it in the “very unhealthy” category.
As per data released by the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday, Faisalabad followed closely with an AQI of 314, while Lahore ranked third with 304, both also in the “very unhealthy” range.
Sheikhupura stood fourth with an AQI of 286, Hafizabad fifth with 284, and Khanewal sixth with 236, all marked “unhealthy.” Dera Ghazi Khan, Sargodha, and Gujranwala recorded AQI readings of 229, 214, and 206, respectively, while Narowal ranked tenth with 191, considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
The EPA reported that most parts of Punjab, including Lahore, have been blanketed in smog for nearly two weeks due to high levels of PM2.5 particles. Authorities have been instructed to intensify anti-smog measures as dry weather and stagnant air continue to worsen pollution levels.
Health experts have urged citizens, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, to take precautions to avoid smog-related health problems.