Karachi: Air pollution in Punjab has once again taken a worrying position, and urban life has started to be affected. The Air Quality Index reached 678 in the morning at the Civil Secretariat in Lahore, which has brought the city to the top of the list of most polluted cities globally. The AQI increased to 657 in Shahdara and 627 in Allama Iqbal Town. In other major cities, Faisalabad’s limit has reached 471, Gujranwala 262, Sialkot 219 and Multan 203.
Experts say that children, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly at risk in this severe pollution situation, as they are more likely to develop respiratory, liver, heart and other diseases. Experts say that high levels of smog and particulate matter pose a direct threat to the health of citizens.
According to recent data, the concentration of PM2.5 particles in Lahore is 20 times or more higher than the World Health Organization’s limit.
The Punjab government has announced plans to increase monitoring stations, tighten monitoring of suburban areas, and begin air-cleansing measures soon. Citizens have been advised to limit their exposure to air pollution in the morning and evening and to wear masks wherever possible.
