Lahore continues to grapple with a severe air pollution crisis after being named the most polluted city in the world, according to the latest global air monitoring data. The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous average of 274, putting all residents at risk of harmful exposure.
Certain areas of Lahore saw especially hazardous readings: Allama Iqbal Town experienced an AQI of 459, Gulberg recorded 396, Shadman was at 384, Model Town reached 362, and Lahore Airport surpassed 398. These figures place the city well into the “unhealthy” to “hazardous” range for air quality, raising serious concerns for public health.
Officials are urging residents, especially children, the elderly and those suffering from respiratory issues, to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity until conditions improve. The provincial government of Punjab has taken some action, launching its first anti-smog gun operation in the Kahna area. According to officials, this measure helped to reduce AQI from 666 to 170 — a decline of approximately 70 percent — based on data from its environmental monitoring system.
Nevertheless, the problem remains acute. Earlier this year, Lahore recorded an AQI as high as 529, putting it at the second most polluted city globally at that time, with concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reportedly 35.6 times above the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The persistence of such extreme pollution levels underscores the magnitude of the challenge confronting the city and regional authorities. Despite some mitigation efforts, the scale of the crisis suggests that deeper structural issues—such as industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, construction dust, crop-burning in surrounding areas, and meteorological factors—are contributing to the deteriorating air quality. Analysts warn that short-term fixes may be insufficient without a sustained and multi-pronged approach.
Health experts caution that prolonged exposure to air of this quality may increase the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems and reduced lung function, particularly among vulnerable populations. The public health implications are significant not only for Lahore but also for neighbouring regions that may be affected by cross-border pollution drift and shared environmental conditions.
The situation raises broader questions about the effectiveness of environmental regulation, urban planning and pollution control mechanisms in fast-growing cities. With Lahore emitting such alarming levels of fine particulates, there is growing pressure on local governments, provincial authorities and national agencies to implement more robust monitoring, regulation and public-awareness campaigns.
Although the drop in AQI in the Kahna area offers a glimmer of hope, many experts say that consistent long-term improvements will require strengthening of air-quality infrastructure, stricter vehicle-emission standards, better regulation of industrial activity, and regional cooperation to address transboundary air-pollution sources. For now, Lahore remains at the top of the global pollution rankings, signalling an urgent call to action.
