Punjab Smog Crisis Deepens as Lahore Ranks Second Globally

Punjab faced another difficult day as the Punjab Smog Crisis intensified on Saturday. Dense, toxic smog covered major cities, and Lahore continued to struggle with extremely high pollution levels. The city remained the world’s second most polluted urban centre for yet another day.
Lahore’s AQI Reaches Alarming Levels
Lahore recorded an AQI of 439 in the early hours. This number placed the city among the most polluted worldwide. International monitoring agencies confirmed Lahore’s second-place spot on the global pollution index. Therefore, the situation raised serious concerns for both residents and health officials.
Other cities in Punjab reported similar conditions. Gujranwala showed a dangerous particulate matter level of 808. Faisalabad recorded an AQI of 507, which signalled extremely unhealthy air. These figures pushed the province deeper into an environmental emergency.
According to IQAir, New Delhi topped the pollution chart with an AQI of 519. Lahore followed closely, highlighting the severity of the regional smog problem.

Experts Warn of Severe Health Risk

Environmental experts warned that long exposure to such hazardous levels can harm respiratory health. They explained that polluted air may cause throat and eye irritation. In addition, they noted that long-term exposure increases chronic health risks for people of all ages.
Authorities advised citizens to limit outdoor activity as much as possible. They also encouraged people to wear protective masks when stepping outdoors. As a result, communities across Punjab have started adopting more safety measures to protect themselves.
Officials said they will continue monitoring the situation closely. They urged residents to stay updated on air quality and follow health guidelines until the smog levels improve.