Air pollution in central Punjab has surged to hazardous levels due to polluted eastern winds blowing in from India, environmental authorities warned on Saturday.
According to the Punjab Environment Department, toxic winds from India are severely affecting Lahore’s air quality, with the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) expected to remain between 320 and 360. The department said Lahore currently ranks as the third most polluted city in Pakistan, with the AQI touching 450, adding that while pollution levels are extremely high, they remain “under control.” A slight improvement is expected between 1 pm and 5 pm.
Data from international air quality monitoring platforms showed alarmingly high particulate matter readings across Lahore. The AQI in the Lahore Secretariat area reached 1,018, Sanda Road recorded 997, and Ravi Road logged 820. Experts have declared the air in several parts of the city “extremely hazardous,” urging citizens to wear masks and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.
Other neighbourhoods including Burki Road, Shahdara, Multan Road, GT Road and Egerton Road also recorded AQI levels of 500. Meanwhile, Dera Ghazi Khan and Kasur were also listed among the most polluted cities in the country, both registering AQI readings of 500.
Air quality indicators recorded 286 in Kasur, 601 in Raiwind, 442 in Gujranwala, 398 in Lahore, 337 in Faisalabad and 358 in Sheikhupura, according to monitoring data.
