Lahore has once again claimed the grim title of the world’s most polluted city, recording an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 395, according to the latest data released by IQAir.

The city’s air has reached the “hazardous” level — the most dangerous category on the global air quality scale — raising fresh concerns over the health and safety of millions of residents.

According to the report, Kolkata (India) followed with an AQI of 247, while Delhi (India) ranked third at 192. Cairo (Egypt) and Kampala (Uganda) completed the world’s top five most polluted cities.

Experts have issued strong health warnings, urging citizens to stay indoors, avoid outdoor exercise, and wear protective N95 masks when stepping out. Prolonged exposure to such toxic air, they warn, can lead to severe respiratory, cardiac, and neurological problems, especially among children and the elderly.

Environmental analysts blame vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, crop residue burning, and stagnant winter weather for trapping pollutants over the city. They note that despite government campaigns — including anti-smog guns and restrictions on crop burning — Lahore’s smog crisis continues to worsen each winter.

Also Read: UHS replaces essay exams with MCQs only

Residents have also criticized poor enforcement of environmental laws and the lack of sustainable urban planning.

Experts say that without decisive action, Lahore’s air crisis could deepen further, threatening both public health and economic productivity.