Lahore’s Smog Crisis Deepens, City Ranked No. 2 Globally for Pollution

Overview

• IQAir placed Lahore second worldwide for pollution as reported PM2.5 averaged about 262 µg/m³, far exceeding WHO guidelines.
• Local hotspots hit extreme AQI peaks, including 855 on Ravi Road, 742 near Punjab University, 682 in Model Town and 618 on Sanda Road.
• The smog extended across Punjab with Bahawalpur at 620, Multan 571, Faisalabad 418 and Gujranwala 340, while Delhi led global readings at 761.
• Lahore hospitals reported surges in asthma and acute respiratory infections, and doctors urged masking and limited outdoor activity, especially during peak hours.
• Meteorological data showed low winds, cool temperatures and high humidity trapping pollutants, as officials cited limited enforcement actions and temporary steps such as school closures.