Lahore once again ranked as the world’s most polluted city on Thursday as its Air Quality Index (AQI) reached dangerous levels.

According to the latest data, Lahore recorded an AQI of 237, slightly higher than India’s capital New Delhi, which stood at 233. The hazardous air continued to blanket several areas of Lahore, with Barqi Road recording an alarming AQI of 485 earlier in the morning.

Other major cities also faced severe pollution levels, with Baghdad at 196, Kolkata at 157, and Dhaka at 144. Within Punjab, air quality remained poor across multiple cities. 

Environmental experts have urged residents to wear protective masks and limit outdoor activities to avoid respiratory illnesses caused by the worsening air pollution.