Lahore, Multan choke on smog as air quality plummets to hazardous levels

The air quality in Punjab’s major cities continued to deteriorate on Sunday, with Lahore once again topping the list of the most polluted cities in the world.

The air quality index (AQI) in several areas of the provincial capital exceeded 400, marking it as extremely hazardous for human health.

According to data from environmental monitoring stations, the AQI in Gulberg and Jail Road ranged between 280 and 340, while Anarkali, Mall Road, and the Inner City recorded between 300 and 400. The situation was slightly better in DHA, Cantt, and the Airport area, where the AQI hovered between 220 and 280.

In Johar Town, Township, and Green Town, the readings were recorded between 250 and 300, whereas the most alarming levels were seen in Shahdara, Band Road, Multan Road, and Ring Road, where the index climbed from 350 to 450 — well above the threshold considered safe for breathing.

Experts have declared any AQI above 300 as extremely dangerous, warning that exposure can cause eye irritation, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. They have urged citizens to wear protective masks, limit outdoor activity, and keep children, the elderly, and respiratory patients indoors.

Meanwhile, Multan’s air quality also deteriorated, with the city’s overall AQI reaching 168, indicating air harmful to human health. In Multan Cantt, the index was 173, on Khanewal Road 174, near the WWF Pakistan office 184, and around Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University 161. The readings near NFCIET and the Metropolitan Corporation office were 172 and 163, respectively.

Environmental officials said smog continues to intensify due to emissions from vehicles, industrial activity, and the burning of crop residue. Medical experts have advised citizens to wear masks regularly and avoid unnecessary travel outdoors until the air quality improves.