Islamabad, Nov 16: Lahore, the capital of Punjab, recorded Pakistan’s highest Air Quality Index (AQI) on Thursday morning, reaching a hazardous level of 722, as reported by IQAir.
This alarming figure places the city in a critical position, significantly surpassing the safe AQI threshold of 50.
Karachi followed closely behind with an AQI of 188, while Rawalpindi ranked third with an AQI of 183.
Other cities, including Peshawar, Islamabad, and Haripur, also reported concerning air quality levels, ranging from unhealthy to moderate.
Experts attribute Lahore’s escalating pollution to industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and crop burning in neighboring regions.
The intense smog poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues.
The ranking of cities based on AQI is as follows:
- Lahore, Punjab – 722
- Karachi, Sindh – 188
- Rawalpindi, Punjab – 183
- Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – 160
- Islamabad, Islamabad – 149
- Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – 107
In response to the dire air quality, authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures such as wearing masks, staying indoors, and using air purifiers. The government has also announced measures to tackle air pollution, including stricter emission controls and the promotion of cleaner technologies.
