LAHORE (MNN); Large parts of Punjab remained under a blanket of air pollution on Sunday, with Lahore recording unhealthy air quality levels, according to the latest data.
Lahore was ranked the world’s second most polluted city, registering a particulate matter (PM) level of 287. Kahna emerged as the most polluted locality in Pakistan, with an alarming PM reading of 568. Other cities also reported hazardous air quality, including Faisalabad at 338, Gujrat at 300 and Gujranwala at 296.
Officials said the deteriorating air quality was caused by high moisture in the atmosphere and changing wind patterns, which slowed the dispersion of pollutants and intensified smog formation.
Punjab routinely faces severe smog episodes during the winter months. Last year, the province experienced extreme pollution due to emissions from low-quality diesel, smoke from crop residue burning and stagnant cold weather conditions. At times, Lahore’s pollution levels exceeded World Health Organization safety limits by more than 80 times.
Authorities have advised citizens, especially children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory illnesses, to take precautionary measures as smog-related health risks continue to rise.
