Lahore ranks world’s most polluted major city as Punjab battles poor air quality, with hazardous readings recorded across the province on Thursday. According to IQAir’s live global ranking, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 419 between 10am and 11am on October 29. The city ranked first during that period. Cairo followed with an AQI of 274, while Delhi recorded 220. Karachi stood eighth, with an AQI of 165.
Pollution spreads across Punjab
The Punjab government’s dashboard also showed unhealthy air in several cities. Kasur recorded the province’s highest AQI at 348, followed by Lahore at 324 and Faisalabad at 290. Kot Addu reached 269, while Dera Ghazi Khan recorded 267. Nankana Sahib recorded 261, Hafizabad 250 and Sahiwal 210. Sheikhupura, Jhang and Rajanpur each crossed 200. Later, the dashboard identified Khanewal as the province’s most polluted city, with an AQI of 212. Lahore’s reading stood at 173. The monitoring platforms showed different figures because their locations and reporting periods differed. The platforms indicated widespread pollution.
Authorities intensify enforcement
Provincial authorities have stepped up action against smoke-emitting vehicles, brick kilns, industrial emissions, plastic burning and construction dust. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority said it was using artificial intelligence-powered cameras to identify smog violations. Officials urged drivers to avoid vehicles releasing excessive smoke and asked residents not to burn waste. Residents can call police emergency number 15. The Environment Protection Agency reported enforcement between September 28 and October 27. Teams demolished 197 non-compliant brick kilns, sealed 163 units and registered 162 first information reports. They also conducted inspections and imposed fines. Authorities targeted plastic burning and construction dust. The government deployed 67 quick response units in agricultural areas to detect crop-residue fires.
Smog season raises concerns
Officials deployed anti-smog guns at selected Lahore locations, including busy roads, industrial areas and construction sites. The equipment sprays fine water droplets to settle suspended dust. However, officials stressed that this cannot replace action against pollution sources. Lahore ranks world’s most polluted major city as Punjab battles poor air quality, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and stronger enforcement. With winter approaching, authorities say inspections and surveillance will continue. Residents should follow air-quality updates and reduce exposure when pollution levels become hazardous.
