The problem of air pollution in Lahore has started to intensify well before the arrival of winter, pushing the city to the top of the global pollution charts.
According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Lahore ranked first worldwide with a reading of 185, indicating hazardous air conditions.
Lahore tops global pollution rankings
On Thursday, Lahore was declared the most polluted city in the world. Dhaka in Bangladesh ranked second, while Jakarta in Indonesia came third.
Environmental experts have raised alarms, warning that the situation could become far more severe during the upcoming winter months, when smog usually engulfs the city.
Deadly impact of rising air pollution
Medical professionals have described Lahore’s current air quality as “deadly for breathing”, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
They caution that prolonged exposure to such high levels of pollution can lead to serious health problems, including asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, and reduced lung function.
Experts call for urgent action
Environmental experts have stressed that unless immediate and effective measures are taken, the worsening air quality could trigger a full-blown health crisis in the winter season. They have urged authorities to enforce stricter controls on industrial emissions, vehicular smoke, and crop residue burning—three of the main contributors to Lahore’s toxic air.
