The Meteorological Department has issued a warning about the onset of smog across several regions in Pakistan, expected from mid-November to December.
The advisory highlights the potential for severe health risks, especially in cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, and Faisalabad, where air quality is already deteriorating. Smog is likely to exacerbate respiratory conditions, including asthma, and lead to travel disruptions due to reduced visibility.
Lahore, in particular, has reached alarming pollution levels, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 367, making it the most polluted city in the world. According to international air monitoring agencies, harmful chemical concentrations in the city’s air are 50 times higher than World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Some of the worst-affected areas in Lahore include Defense Phase 8, which recorded an AQI of 443, and Walton, where the index hit 362. Other localities such as Davies Road (296), Wapda Town (292), and Cantt (284) also reported dangerous levels of pollution.
The air in Lahore contains hazardous substances such as sulfate, nitrate, and carbon, which pose significant health risks. Medical professionals have described the air as “poisonous,” urging residents to wear protective masks outdoors to minimize exposure to toxic pollutants.