Lahore and Karachi have been ranked as the world’s most polluted cities.
As of 3:30 am PKT on Sunday, Lahore was on number one and Karachi was on number three.
Lahore recorded an AQI of 330, while Karachi’s was 262.
The Environment Department has predicted that Lahore’s air quality will remain unhealthy in the coming days as well.
It is pertinent to mention that the Environment Department of Punjab in it latest advisory stated that polluted easterly winds coming from India are impacting Lahore’s air quality.
Delhi was on number second. China’s Shanghai and Uganda’s Kampala were also among the top list.
Earlier, Faisalabad topped the list for air pollution, followed by Gujranwala and Multan.
IQAir reported AQI levels of 554 in Faisalabad, 546 in Gujranwala and 478 in Multan.
Citizens, especially children, the elderly, and patients, are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. Public health experts are urging residents to limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks when necessary.
Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, anti-smog measures have been accelerated.
Over 1,200 monitoring teams are conducting on-site inspections and fines, while dust control SOPs at construction sites are being strictly enforced.
Additionally, the Punjab government has taken notice of the situation and raised a high alert, including revising school timings across the province to begin at 8:35am.
