Lahore Tops Global Air Pollution Index Once Again

October 29, 2025 | Lahore

Lahore has once again claimed the unwanted title of the world’s most polluted city, according to the latest global air quality rankings by IQAir.

Despite slight improvement from a severe Air Quality Index (AQI) peak of 422 a day earlier, the city’s AQI still stood at 341 on Wednesday — a level considered “hazardous” for human health.

Following Lahore on the list of the world’s most polluted cities were New Delhi (232), Beijing (222), Kinshasa (155), Kathmandu (155), and Karachi (140).

Government Steps Up Anti-Smog Efforts

With smog levels worsening, the Punjab government has declared a high alert and announced measures to minimize public exposure. Among these steps is a change in school timings, which will now start at 8:35 a.m. across the province.

The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has also begun a large-scale anti-smog operation, deploying:

• 16 mechanical washers
• 50 manual washing units
• Over 400 workers for road cleaning and water sprinkling

These efforts aim to reduce the dust and particulate matter contributing to the city’s choking air quality.

Officials Praise Ongoing Environmental Measures

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb commended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her leadership in tackling the smog crisis. She described the campaign as “a testament to the government’s vision of a cleaner and healthier Punjab.”

Aurangzeb also expressed optimism, saying that Punjab’s environmental reforms could lead to noticeable improvements similar to Beijing’s successful anti-smog transformation in the coming years.

She further noted that the government’s awareness campaigns and enforcement drives have begun changing farmers’ mindsets, reducing the harmful practice of stubble burning — one of the major causes of seasonal smog.

Strict Action Against Polluting Industries

A recent report by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) revealed an environmental violations score of 294, indicating a concerning rise in air quality breaches this year.

Authorities have confirmed that strict action is being taken against factories and plants contributing to air pollution, as part of a broader strategy to control smog and protect public health.

A Call for Clean Air

While Lahore’s struggle with pollution continues, government initiatives and increased public awareness bring hope for cleaner skies in the years ahead. Experts, however, emphasize that long-term progress will require consistent policy enforcement, eco-friendly urban planning, and collective citizen responsibility.