Lahore tops world pollution list as AQI hits 590

Lahore emerged as the world's most polluted major city on Monday, with its Air Quality Index climbing to 590 and a separate hourly reading touching 647, according to Minute Mirror. The city topped the global list between 9am and 10am on November 9, placing it in the hazardous category.

Neighbourhood-level readings showed extreme variation, with Allama Iqbal Town recording 1,033, the CERP Office area 864 and Burki Road Paragon 748. Daily Pakistan reported different neighbourhood figures, including Gulberg II at 639, Paragon City at 370 and Iqbal Town at 342.

“Twenty-four of the 34 monitored locations in Indian Punjab were experiencing hazardous air quality, with seven locations recording AQI readings above 1,000.”

Other Punjab cities also suffered hazardous air quality, with Raiwind at 688, Multan at 655 and Faisalabad at 600. Lahore's pollution level was more than three times that of the second-ranked city, Ulaanbaatar, which recorded 177.

Cross-border smoke from Diwali fireworks, agricultural residue burning and easterly winds were identified as potential contributors. A provincial government assessment issued on November 8 warned that smoke could reach Lahore within five to 13 hours.

Indian Punjab locations also recorded hazardous readings, with Faridkot reaching 1,588, Abohar 1,244 and Amritsar 514. Twenty-four of 34 monitored locations in Indian Punjab experienced hazardous air quality, with seven above 1,000.

Environmental experts advised residents to take precautionary measures outdoors and wear protective masks. Lahore's temperature stood at 22 degrees Celsius, with humidity at 65 per cent and winds blowing at approximately two kilometres per hour.