Lahore Emerges as the Most Polluted City Globally

LAHORE: The provincial capital recorded one of the worst air quality readings in the world on Monday, with Lahore ranked as the most polluted city globally.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 332, placing it in the “hazardous” category. Faisalabad followed closely with an AQI of 325, while Sheikhupura recorded 311, Dera Ghazi Khan 239, Gujranwala 233, and Multan 224.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classification, an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading between 0 and 100 is considered clean and healthy, while 101 to 200 falls under the “moderately polluted but tolerable” category.

AQI readings between 300 and 500 are classified as polluted to severely polluted, posing serious health risks—particularly for individuals with heart and respiratory diseases who may experience breathing difficulties during prolonged exposure.

The EPA further states that when the AQI exceeds 500, the air quality is deemed extremely hazardous, with potential health impacts even on otherwise healthy individuals.

The Punjab government has made it mandatory for motorcycle riders to wear face masks amid worsening air pollution across the province.

Experts have warned that the worsening air quality poses serious health risks, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks when necessary.