Pakistan’s cultural capital has once again earned the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s most polluted city, according to the latest data released by Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir.
As of Friday morning, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 232, placing it firmly in the “very unhealthy” category. The report highlights worsening air quality across South Asia, with Delhi (207), Cairo (183), and Kolkata (181) following closely behind in the global pollution rankings.
Other cities appearing in the top 10 include Kinshasa (175), Dhaka (160), Karachi (159), Kuwait City (156), Tashkent (155), and Jakarta (134).
Environmental experts have warned that Lahore’s persistent smog problem, caused by unchecked vehicular emissions, crop residue burning, and industrial pollution, continues to endanger public health.
Prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels can lead to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and reduced life expectancy.
Authorities in Punjab have previously announced measures such as restricting crop burning and implementing vehicle emission checks, but air quality monitors suggest that enforcement remains inconsistent.