LAHORE: On Tuesday, Lahore once again recorded the world’s worst air quality, with thick smog blanketing the city and air pollution levels reaching hazardous limits. This prompted health warnings and a renewed enforcement drive across Punjab.
According to the global air monitoring platform IQAir, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) peaked at 422 in the morning, placing it in the “hazardous” category. By 10 pm, the city remained at the top of the global pollution list with an AQI of 258, ahead of New Delhi (230) and Beijing (194). Other major Punjab cities also reported alarming pollution levels — Faisalabad at 622, Multan at 485, and Bahawalpur at 255.
Lahore’s AQI is alarmingly high today. While the new anti-smog misting guns are active, key contributing factors like crop-residue burning across Punjab also need urgent attention pic.twitter.com/DT9E3ynGwb
— Suneel Sarfraz Munj (@suneelmunj) October 29, 2025
Environmental experts warned that calm winds, cooler temperatures, and pollution-laden air drifting from Indian Punjab are likely to worsen conditions in the coming days. The thick layer of smog has reduced visibility and disrupted daily routines across Lahore.
In response, civic agencies intensified anti-smog operations. The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) deployed over 400 workers and 60 road-washing vehicles for continuous sprinkling across major arteries, while the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) began water-spraying trees and expanded plantation drives under the “Lungs of Lahore” project.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) and Lahore Development Authority (LDA) also launched road-cleaning campaigns at construction sites to reduce dust pollution. The Ravi Urban Development Authority (Ruda) imposed heavy fines on uncovered construction vehicles and violators of environmental laws.
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Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb urged citizens to wear masks and limit outdoor exposure, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions. Officials warned that without rainfall or a shift in weather patterns, Lahore’s hazardous air quality is expected to persist in the days ahead.
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