“Lahore’s Air Crisis Deepens — Still the World’s Most Polluted City”

Lahore, October 26, 2025: Despite repeated government initiatives and public awareness campaigns, Lahore has once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, according to the latest global air quality index. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached hazardous levels on Sunday morning, with readings surpassing 300 in several areas, posing severe health risks to millions of residents.

Experts warn that Lahore’s persistent smog and poor air quality are the result of multiple factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and crop residue burning in nearby regions. The thick layer of smog has reduced visibility across the city and raised concerns about respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among vulnerable groups.

The Punjab government has introduced a number of measures to curb air pollution — including restrictions on industrial emissions, bans on crop burning, and promotion of electric vehicles — yet these efforts have yielded limited improvement. Schools and offices have also been advised to minimize outdoor activities as smog levels continue to rise.

Environmental activists argue that temporary crackdowns and short-term bans are not enough. “The city needs a long-term clean air policy with strict enforcement and regional cooperation,” said a local environmentalist.

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Citizens, meanwhile, continue to bear the brunt of toxic air, with many resorting to face masks and air purifiers to cope with the worsening conditions. As winter approaches, experts fear the situation could deteriorate further unless immediate and effective measures are implemented.