Lahore ranked as the world’s most polluted city on Friday morning with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 167, putting its air in the “unhealthy” category, according to air quality monitoring platform IQAir.
Bangladesh’s Dhaka followed with an AQI of 164 while Egypt’s Cairo recorded 158.
Lahore was the only Pakistani city among the top 30 most polluted cities listed by IQAir. Karachi ranked 34th on the 125-city list with an AQI of 69.
IQAir reported that PM2.5 concentration in Lahore was 15.2 times higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s annual guideline value.
PM2.5 refers to fine particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller that can be inhaled. IQAir identifies PM2.5 pollution as the greatest health threat among air pollution measures.
The platform said that the particles can enter the circulatory system and even reach the brain, potentially causing health complications after long-term exposure.
IQAir advised Lahore residents to avoid outdoor exercise, keep windows closed, wear masks outside and use air purifiers indoors.
The city has faced recurring air pollution and smog, particularly during winter. Industrial emissions, vehicle pollution, crop residue burning and air movement are among the factors linked to worsening air quality.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab Maryam Nawaz said that the government was taking steps to address environmental problems.
Speaking to senior officers in Lahore on Friday, CM Maryam said that Lahore and some parts of Punjab had undergone a “smog shutdown” during September and October for the past eight years.
“For three years now, I won’t say there is zero smog, but there is less smog,” she said.
Lahore also topped IQAir’s global pollution ranking in January with an AQI of 452.
Earlier this week, an analysis by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) placed Lahore among cities with “extremely poor” ozone levels.
