Lahore has once again claimed the unfortunate distinction of being the most polluted city in the world, according to the latest data released by IQAir.
The city recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 479, placing it firmly in the “hazardous” category.
The reading indicates that Lahore’s air quality poses severe health risks to all residents, regardless of age or health status.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such high levels of air pollution can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, urging citizens to limit outdoor activity and use protective masks.
Following Lahore, Delhi, India ranked second with an AQI of 236, while Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and Karachi, Pakistan, followed in third and fourth place, respectively.
Environmental analysts attribute Lahore’s deteriorating air quality to vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, crop burning in nearby regions, and stagnant weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground.
