Lahore has been declared the most polluted city in the world, with air quality dropping to “hazardous” levels due to high concentrations of toxins in the atmosphere, according to IQAir data. The Punjab capital’s air quality index (AQI) has surpassed the 400 mark, indicating the worst possible air quality.
Citizens are being urged to exercise caution to protect themselves from the harmful effects of pollution, while provincial authorities scramble to address the escalating smog crisis. Healthy air quality is measured at below 50 US AQI, which assesses PM2.5 particles. Lahore’s current air quality is 80 times more polluted than this healthy benchmark.
According to experts, the change in seasonal wind patterns has exacerbated the situation. During winter, winds typically flow from Pakistan to India, and the combination of agricultural waste burning, vehicle emissions, and power production significantly contributes to air pollution. The slower wind speeds in winter allow polluted air to linger in the city, mixing with fog to create a deadly smog.
IQAir classifies air quality as follows: an AQI of 0-50 is “good,” 51-100 is “moderate,” 101-150 is “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” 151-200 is “unhealthy,” 201-300 is “very unhealthy,” and anything above 301 is “hazardous.”
Following Lahore, New Delhi ranks as the second most polluted city, with a “very unhealthy” AQI level of 285. Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is third, with an AQI of 166. Meanwhile, Karachi is ranked 13th on the list, with an AQI of 107, posing risks to those sensitive to dust and other pollutants, as well as individuals with allergies.
