October 1, 2025
Web desk
Lahore: The provincial capital has once again earned the grim title of the world’s most polluted city, as air quality levels plunged into the “unhealthy” category on Wednesday.
According to international monitoring data, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 161, placing it at the top of the global pollution rankings. Other Pakistani cities also faced deteriorating air conditions, with Faisalabad at 160, Karachi at 107, Islamabad at 69, and Rawalpindi at 66. Experts warned that such levels remain unsafe by international health standards.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted that Lahore’s air quality will fluctuate between “moderate” and “unhealthy” over the next two days. Forecasts suggest the AQI could remain between 120 and 145 from noon to 5 PM, before rising to 140–165 late at night. Experts caution that pollution levels are often worse during early mornings and nighttime hours.
Globally, other South and Southeast Asian cities also reported hazardous smog levels. Kolkata recorded an AQI of 158, while Delhi’s index was even higher. High pollution was also observed in Hanoi (Vietnam) and Kathmandu (Nepal).
To address the worsening crisis, the Punjab government has launched an Air Quality Forecast System, designed to predict smog and pollution trends. However, environmentalists argue that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still failing to provide accurate real-time monitoring. The PMD has now started issuing daily air quality and smog reports alongside regular weather updates in collaboration with the EPA.
Punjab’s senior minister Maryam Aurangzeb urged citizens to take precautionary steps, stressing that environmental pollution directly impacts human health, economic activity, and daily life. She emphasized that urgent measures are needed to curb the crisis.
As part of its anti-smog drive, the provincial government has rolled out a three-tier action plan (Plan A, B, and C). Vehicle inspections have been tightened, and the Environmental Protection Force has been mobilized across the province.
