Doctors urge citizens to stay indoors as air quality plunges to hazardous levels
Lahore once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Thursday, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) skyrocketed to 603, marking an alarming rise in smog and toxic particulate matter.
According to data reported by 24NewsHD TV, the air in the provincial capital has reached “extremely hazardous” levels, posing a severe threat to public health. The worsening air quality comes amid stagnant weather conditions and the onset of winter, which has trapped pollutants close to the surface.
Lahore’s pollution hotspots
Several areas across the city recorded dangerously high AQI readings:
- FF Pakistan: 816
- Allama Iqbal Town: 788
- AC Cantonment Office: 696
- Punjab University: 652
- Samanabad: 647
- Shalamar Road: 617
- Syed Maratab Ali Road: 615
- Pakistan Engineering Council: 597
- Sanda Road: 593
- Ravi Road: 589
- Government College University & Lower Mall: 585
These readings far exceed the World Health Organization’s safe limit of 50, making Lahore’s air nearly 12 times more polluted than the maximum safe threshold.
Weather forecast and visibility concerns
The Met Office has predicted dry weather in Lahore for the next 24 hours, with maximum temperatures expected to reach 31°C and a minimum of 19°C.
However, low wind speeds and temperature inversions continue to worsen the smog layer, reducing visibility and causing major disruptions to daily life and traffic flow.
Karachi ranks fourth among most polluted cities
While Lahore remains the world’s pollution epicenter, Karachi also ranked fourth globally with an AQI of 161 on Thursday.
The port city recorded temperatures between 26°C and 35°C, with 49% humidity and winds from the northeast at 16 km/h, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Dry conditions are expected to persist for the next 24 hours in Karachi as well.
Doctors urge immediate precautions
Health experts have warned citizens to take urgent protective measures to reduce exposure to hazardous air.
Doctors recommend:
- Avoiding outdoor activity, especially for children, the elderly, and asthma patients.
- Wearing N95 or surgical masks when going outside.
- Using air purifiers indoors where possible.
- Staying hydrated and keeping windows closed during peak smog hours.
Public health officials have also urged the government to enforce stricter emission controls, restrict crop burning, and limit vehicular pollution to prevent further deterioration.