Lahore’s air quality dropped to “hazardous” levels for a brief period before returning to the “worst” category. By 9:30 a.m., the city had the second-highest pollution levels globally, with an air quality index (AQI) of 395. According to IQ Air, any AQI over 300 is considered hazardous to health. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Lahore’s air was 54.5 times higher than the WHO’s recommended annual guideline.
Earlier in the day, between 7 and 8 a.m., the AQI briefly dropped to 252, falling into the “very unhealthy” category for the second time in two weeks. Lahore, home to 14 million people, has been a global pollution hotspot, but New Delhi has surpassed it as the world’s most polluted city, registering an AQI of 431 by 9:30 a.m.
Punjab has faced toxic smog for weeks as temperatures drop with winter’s arrival. In response, authorities closed schools in major cities, extending the closure until November 24 in Lahore and Multan, the worst-affected cities. Outdoor sports and activities remain banned, with ongoing crackdowns on polluting rickshaws, construction sites, and barbecues.
Farmers’ seasonal crop burn-off also contributes to the toxic air, linked to strokes, heart disease, and respiratory issues. While Lahore chokes on smog, Karachi ranks fifth globally with an AQI of 200. Other South Asian regions face similar pollution, with Punjab blaming neighboring India for worsening the air quality.
In India, measures such as restrictions on vehicle movement, construction, and online school classes are in place to combat the smog.
