Lahore Ranks Among Most Polluted Cities as Smog Worsens

LAHORE: Lahore has once again come under the grip of severe air pollution, where citizens are facing difficulty in breathing due to smog, while visibility has also started to be affected in some areas.

According to the data provided on air pollution, the overall pollution rate in Lahore was recorded at 268, while the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 316. At this level, air pollution can be worrisome for human health.

The pollution rate was also high in different areas of the city. The AQI was recorded at 398 in Gulberg II, while it was 316 in Iqbal Town, 300 in Paragon City and 299 on Bedian Road.

Similarly, the air pollution rate was recorded at 288 on Barki Road, 277 in Model Town, 270 in Chaman Park, 243 in DHA Phase V and 197 in Askari Ten.

Experts have advised citizens to avoid leaving their homes unnecessarily and to wear protective masks when going out. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory or heart diseases in particular need to be careful.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, on October 31, the maximum temperature in Lahore was 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was 17.3 degrees. In the evening, the temperature was 28 degrees, and no rain was recorded.

On the other hand, the weather has been predicted to remain dry in most areas of Balochistan; however, the intensity of cold is likely to persist in the northern districts during the morning and night hours.

According to the statistics of the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in Quetta was 7 degrees Celsius, while in Kalat it was 4 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Zhob was 11.8 degrees, while cold weather is also likely to persist in Ziarat.

According to experts, the intensity of smog in Lahore is a major challenge for public health. To reduce air pollution, it is necessary to control pollution sources along with preventive measures and effective environmental monitoring.