Provincial authorities have identified cross-border winds from India as a significant factor contributing to Lahore’s worsening pollution
By our correspondent
LAHORE: Lahore has once again claimed the unfortunate title of the most polluted city in the world, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring above 700. The city is grappling with severe smog, a hazardous mix of pollutants and cold-season fog that has made the air both toxic and nearly impossible to breathe. The situation has grown dire, causing widespread health concerns and prompting the closure of key motorways, including the Lahore-Islamabad (M2) and Lahore-Sialkot (M) routes, as low visibility due to thick fog poses serious risks to drivers.
This environmental crisis is not confined to Lahore alone; it has spread across Punjab, with pollution levels reaching alarming heights in cities like Multan, where the AQI recorded a staggering 1659, positioning it as one of the most severely impacted areas. The deteriorating air quality has led the provincial government to take drastic measures, including shutting down schools in heavily affected districts, a decision that will remain in place until 17 November.
Provincial authorities have identified cross-border winds from India as a significant factor contributing to Lahore’s worsening pollution. These polluted eastern winds have intensified the already hazardous levels of smog, making the situation even more difficult to manage. Environmental officials are acutely aware of the impact, with the Secretary of the Environment Protection Agency, Jahangir Anwar, highlighting the need for cooperation with neighboring countries, particularly India, to address the escalating pollution crisis.
The smog in Lahore has reached unprecedented levels, with pollutants such as PM2.5 — the fine particulate matter that is particularly harmful to human health — peaking at an alarming 1,067 micrograms per cubic meter. This is far beyond the World Health Organization’s safety threshold of 10, underscoring the severity of the crisis. The toxic air is taking a heavy toll on public health, with children particularly vulnerable to respiratory issues caused by prolonged exposure to such high levels of pollution.
As the air quality in Lahore and its surrounding regions continues to worsen, the urgency of addressing this crisis has never been clearer. The health risks posed by such extreme pollution are far-reaching, and without coordinated efforts both domestically and internationally, the situation is likely to continue to deteriorate. For now, the residents of Lahore must endure the harmful effects of smog, while public health officials and government leaders scramble for solutions to mitigate the crisis and protect the health of millions.
