According to global air quality monitoring organisation IQAir, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 238. However, the Punjab Air Quality Index report put the city’s AQI at 285 at 6am on Tuesday.
Under IQAir’s global rankings, India’s capital New Delhi stood second with an AQI of 214, followed by Hanoi in Vietnam at 188 and Baghdad in Iraq at 169. Karachi ranked fifth among the world’s most polluted cities, with an AQI of 166.
The Punjab Air Quality Index report showed that Lahore’s AQI had risen from 229 at 6am on Monday to 285 at the same time on Tuesday, indicating a further deterioration in air quality.
Pollution levels were particularly alarming in several parts of the city. Shahdara recorded an AQI of 500, while readings stood at 366 near the Wagah border, 335 on Multan Road and 306 on Barki Road.
The worsening air quality poses health risks, particularly for children, older adults and people suffering from respiratory or heart conditions. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause eye irritation, coughing and breathing difficulties.
Health experts generally advise residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, limit strenuous physical exertion in the open air and use an appropriate protective mask when necessary. Children, older adults and people with respiratory illnesses have been advised to take extra precautions.