Lahore has once again topped the global air pollution ranking, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a hazardous 563 as smog worsens across Punjab.

According to international air quality monitoring platform IQAir, Lahore ranked as the world’s most polluted major city on Monday. The dangerous pollution levels have raised concerns about growing respiratory illnesses among residents.

Smog spreads across Punjab

Air pollution has also reached alarming levels in Faisalabad, Multan and Bahawalpur. According to Punjab’s air quality monitoring website, Faisalabad recorded an AQI of 499, indicating extremely unhealthy air.

Multan’s AQI reached 392, while several other cities in southern Punjab also remained under a thick blanket of smog.

Residents face serious health risks

The worsening air quality has increased health concerns, with many people reporting sore throats, coughing, breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.

Medical experts have warned that prolonged exposure to polluted air can particularly affect children, elderly people and those suffering from existing respiratory conditions.

The situation could become more serious if pollution levels continue to rise in the coming days.

Experts advise precautionary measures

Health experts have advised residents to wear protective masks when going outdoors and avoid unnecessary exposure to polluted air.

People have also been encouraged to keep windows closed during periods of heavy smog and limit outdoor physical activities.

The latest pollution readings highlight the growing air quality crisis in Punjab, with urgent measures needed to protect public health and control the sources of pollution.