Lahore has earned the dubious distinction of being the most polluted city in the world, recording a dangerously high average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 433 on Sunday. The provincial capital was shrouded in haze and partial clouds throughout the day, with environmental experts labeling the air quality as hazardous for public health.
Alarming Pollution Levels and Health Hazards
The severity of the situation was underscored by the concentration of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. The PM2.5 levels in Lahore's air were measured at 58.3 times the World Health Organization's annual safety guideline. This extreme pollution poses severe risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health. Specific localities within the city recorded even more critical readings, with DHA Phase VI registering an AQI of 569 and Wahdat Colony at 566. Other highly affected areas included Barki Road (462), Cantonment (456), and B Block, Phase 5, DHA (453).
Cold, Dry Weather and Disruptive Fog
Residents of Lahore also endured cold and dry conditions on Sunday, with the minimum temperature recorded at 7°C and the maximum at 19°C. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that similar weather patterns are likely to continue on Monday. However, they also indicated that rain is expected in Lahore within the next 24 hours, which could lead to a further drop in temperature and potentially improve air quality temporarily.
A significant consequence of the weather was the development of dense fog across the plains of Punjab. This severely reduced visibility, leading to major disruptions on key motorways for public safety. The Motorway Police were forced to close several sections to traffic, including:
- M2 from Lahore to Hiran Minar
- M3 from Faizpur to Jaranwala
- M4 from Khanewal to Multan and from Faisalabad to Abdul Hakeem
- Lahore-Sialkot Motorway (M11)
Safety Measures and Official Advisory
A spokesperson for the Motorway Police emphasized that the closures were implemented solely to protect lives and property. The authorities have strongly advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and plan their journeys during daylight hours when visibility is better. Meanwhile, a westerly wave is anticipated to approach the western regions of Pakistan from the night of December 29th, which may bring cloudy weather with rain, wind, and thunderstorms to Northern and Western Balochistan.
The combination of hazardous pollution and dense fog has created a dual environmental challenge for Lahore, impacting daily life, health, and transportation across the city and the wider region.
