Lahore air pollution surged to alarming levels on Monday as thick smog continued to blanket large parts of Punjab, once again placing the city among the world’s most polluted.

According to the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the province recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 198, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Lahore remained the worst-hit city, with an average AQI of 375 between 8am and 3pm, falling into the very unhealthy category.

Several areas reported extremely hazardous readings. The AQI peaked at 565 near UET Lahore. Other hotspots included the EPA headquarters (427), Town Hall (420), Safari Park, Punjab University, major hospitals, and the Lahore Waste Management Company zone. These figures show the widespread impact of smog across the city.

Global air quality rankings placed Lahore as the second most polluted major city with an AQI of 366. Delhi topped the list, followed by Dhaka, Kolkata, and Bishkek, highlighting a regional pollution crisis.

Other Punjab cities also suffered poor air. Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Narowal, and Gujranwala recorded AQI levels above 200. Rawalpindi, Multan, and Sargodha also failed to meet safe standards.

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Experts blamed vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, crop burning, and unfavorable weather. Dense fog trapped pollutants near the ground, worsening conditions.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department said cold and dry weather will persist, with fog likely for the next two days, offering no immediate relief.