Lahore has once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, surpassing Delhi and Kolkata.
According to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) data, Lahore recorded a hazardous AQI of 340, placing it far above other major cities across Asia.
Delhi, India ranked second with an AQI of 219, followed by Kolkata at 190. Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, secured the fourth position with an AQI of 167, while Dhaka, Bangladesh, stood fifth at 160.
Meanwhile, Beijing ranked sixth with an AQI of 157, followed by Kuwait City (155) and Dubai (153). Manama and Kampala rounded out the top ten, with AQIs of 134 and 129, respectively.
Environmental experts blame the alarming rise in smog and fine particulate matter on vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and seasonal crop burning. The worsening air quality poses serious health risks for millions of residents, especially children and the elderly.
Despite repeated government crackdowns and public awareness campaigns, Lahore continues to struggle with toxic air during the winter season. Thick smog often reduces visibility and causes respiratory problems.
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