Lahore Air Pollution has once again placed the city at the top of IQAir’s global ranking of the most polluted major cities.

Lahore recorded an AQI of 167 on Friday morning. IQAir classified the air as “unhealthy”.

Bangladesh’s Dhaka ranked second with an AQI of 164. Egypt’s Cairo followed with a reading of 158.

Lahore later dropped to 10th place. Its AQI stood at 149 at 2pm, according to the live ranking cited in the report.

The ranking can change throughout the day as pollution levels and weather conditions shift.

Pakistan Cities on the List

Lahore was the only Pakistani city among the top 30 most polluted cities on Friday morning.

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Karachi ranked 34th at that time, with an AQI of 69. Its position later moved to 23rd, with an AQI of 75 at 2pm.

IQAir’s Lahore data also showed significant particulate pollution.

The platform reported PM2.5 levels at more than 15 times the World Health Organisation’s annual guideline value in the cited morning reading.

PM2.5 consists of very small particles that can enter the respiratory system.

IQAir identifies PM2.5 as a major health concern. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of serious health problems.

The platform advised Lahore residents to limit outdoor exercise. It also recommended keeping windows closed, wearing masks outdoors and using air purifiers indoors.

What Causes Lahore Smog?

Air pollution has become a major environmental problem in Pakistan.

Lahore and other cities often experience worsening air quality during the cooler months.

Several factors contribute to the problem. These include vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, crop-residue burning and other sources of smoke.

Weather conditions can also affect pollution levels. Low air movement can trap pollutants close to the ground.

IQAir says Lahore’s air quality usually worsens between October and February. Crop-residue burning and weather conditions can contribute to higher pollution during this period.

Maryam Nawaz Says Government Is Acting

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government was working to address environmental problems.

Speaking to senior officers in Lahore on Friday, she referred to the recurring smog problem in the province.

She said Lahore and parts of Punjab had faced a “smog shutdown” during September and October for several years.

“For three years now — I won’t say there is zero smog, but — there is less smog,” she said.

The Punjab government has also announced measures targeting major pollution sources.

These measures include action against crop-residue burning, vehicle emissions, brick kilns and smoke-producing businesses. Authorities have also increased inspections at construction sites.

Lahore Faces Recurring Pollution Crisis

Lahore has repeatedly appeared near the top of global pollution rankings.

In January, IQAir recorded an AQI of 452 in Lahore. That reading placed the city at the top of the global ranking at the time.

Earlier this week, an analysis by the European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service also placed Lahore among cities with “extremely poor” ozone levels.

The latest readings underline the continuing challenge facing Punjab as the smog season begins.