Lahore Ranks as World's Most Polluted City
Lahore has become the world's most polluted major city as air quality index levels surged to hazardous levels across Pakistan's Punjab province.
The city of Lahore has ranked as the most polluted major city in the world, with air quality deteriorating rapidly over a 24-hour period. On November 5, the city recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 338, with hazardous spikes reaching 548 in the Paragon Society neighborhood. By November 6, the city's AQI climbed further to 458, placing it ahead of New Delhi and Kolkata, which ranked second and third globally with readings of 244 and 235 respectively.
The pollution crisis extends across the Punjab province. Provincial monitoring identified Kasur as the most polluted city in the region with an AQI of 462, while Multan recorded the highest overall reading in the province at 719. Other affected areas include Vehari, Pakpattan, and Rajanpur, as well as Lahore neighborhoods such as Kahna Nau and Safari Park.
In response to the hazardous smog, the Environment Protection Department reported alarming pollution levels and experts advised residents to wear protective masks and limit outdoor activities. The Meteorological Department forecast temperatures between 17°C and 30°C for the city during the onset of the crisis.
