Lahore becomes world's most polluted city with AQI at 530
Lahore has become the world's most polluted city after its air quality index reached 530.
Air pollution in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province, has reached dangerous levels. According to IQAir's latest global rankings, Lahore has been recorded as the world's most polluted city with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 530.
During this period, the concentration of fine particulate matter PM2.5 in Lahore reached 343 micrograms per cubic meter. Egypt's Cairo remained second on this list with an AQI of 226.
Pollution has increased significantly in several other Pakistani cities as well. The AQI was recorded at 475 in Gujranwala and 435 in Faisalabad, while the figure stood at 280 in Multan and 241 in Sialkot.
A thick blanket of toxic smog across major cities of Lahore has made it difficult for people to breathe. Pollution levels have surged rapidly due to stubble burning in fields and seasonal changes.
According to a report by the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, air pollution is reducing average life expectancy in Pakistan by about 3.9 years, while this reduction could be up to 7 years in Lahore. About 128,000 people die prematurely every year in the country due to pollution.
The report states that transport is the biggest source of pollution in Lahore. Apart from this, 28 percent of pollution is caused by industries and 17 percent by brick kilns.
Key developments
- Lahore recorded as world's most polluted city with 530 AQI
- AQI reaches 475 in Gujranwala and 435 in Faisalabad
- Apprehension of Lahore residents' average life expectancy dropping by 7 years due to pollution
- Transport, industry and brick kilns are main causes of pollution in Lahore
