Lahore tops Global Pollution Index, AQI reaches 985 in some areas

Lahore continues to rank as the most polluted city in the world, with hazardous air quality levels recorded across multiple areas. In several parts of Lahore, air quality levels soared as high as 985.

According to the international environmental monitoring agency IQAir, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) on Thursday stood at 515, placing it at the top of the global pollution ranking, while New Delhi followed in second place with an AQI of 459.

IQAir data shows that Lahore’s air quality remains alarmingly poor. The AQI at City School, Allama Iqbal Town, was recorded at 985, FF Pakistan at 816, and Saddar Cantonment at 725. Areas such as Wildlife & Parks, Hiking & Mountaineering, and Ravi Camp also reported AQI levels between 657 and 702.

The Punjab Air Quality Index reported that AQI levels reached up to 500 in several areas of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, and Kasur. Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Dera Ghazi Khan recorded AQI levels of 413, 392, and 374, respectively, while Multan and Bahawalpur reported 275 and 198. Air quality in Rawalpindi and Sialkot remained relatively better but still unhealthy, at 140 and 196, respectively.

Provincial authorities reported that zones including Shahdara, Kahna, Multan Road, GT Road, and Egerton Road also touched the 500 mark, while air quality around Punjab University, Safari Park, and DHA Phase 6 ranged from 300 to 388—still within the “unhealthy” category. At Wagah Border, AQI was recorded at 257.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the immediate closure of construction sites and buildings violating environmental SOPs. She instructed district administrations, police, and the agriculture department to intensify night-time patrolling, emphasizing that inter-departmental coordination and emergency measures to combat smog must not be delayed.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, polluted air masses from India’s Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal regions are entering Lahore, Faisalabad, and central Punjab via easterly winds. Wind speeds ranging from 3 to 6 miles per hour are causing pollutants to stagnate near ground level, worsening air quality. Crop residue burning in Indian Punjab has further aggravated the situation.

Read: Lahore tops global pollution rankings as AQI hits ‘hazardous’ 403

Experts warn that falling night time temperatures are likely to increase smog intensity. On October 30, Lahore’s air quality is expected to range between 270 and 320, classified as “unhealthy to very unhealthy.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that an illegal brick kiln operating along Hudiara Drain was demolished for excessive emissions. So far, 412 tons of substandard plastic have been seized and processed for recycling. Drone monitoring by the EPA has also led to a visible decline in incidents of crop residue burning.

The EPA has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities between 12pm and 3pm and after 7pm. Special precautions have been recommended for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Officials noted that evening traffic congestion significantly contributes to pollution spikes. Citizens have been urged to adopt carpooling and refrain from using smoke-emitting vehicles.

Read more: Lahore ranks second among world’s most polluted cities

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that Punjab is undergoing a “climate-resilient paradigm shift,” with green policies being implemented across sectors. She said a zero-tolerance policy has been enforced against construction dust, vehicular emissions, and plastic usage, while emergency inspection teams are conducting daily monitoring and reporting.

According to the Department of Agriculture, a mechanization program will be completed before the 2026 cropping season to help farmers manage crop residues through modern techniques instead of open burning.

Environmental experts caution that if current meteorological conditions persist, Lahore and much of central Punjab are likely to remain under severe pollution levels in the coming days.