Lahore, ( Pakistan) October 29 : The air quality in Lahore has reached alarming levels, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) nearing the 700 mark on Sunday, according to global monitoring sites, as reported by Dawn News.
The overall AQI was recorded at 690, placing Lahore at the top of the world's most polluted cities list
Experts said that the severe pollution in Lahore can no longer be dismissed as seasonal, with hazardous smog persisting even in summer months, a sign of "systemic environmental mismanagement."
The crisis stems not just from stubble burning but from uncontrolled vehicular emissions, outdated industrial practices, and ineffective environmental oversight.
Currently, Lahore relies on only three functional air quality monitors, with eight additional units planned for November.
However, pollution levels peak between 11 pm and 5 am, coinciding with the movement of heavy trucks and ongoing construction. This leaves residents exposed to unmonitored toxic air during critical hours.
In response, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb issued an emergency alert urging citizens to wear masks and limit outdoor activities, though critics argue that such advisories fall short.
Factories and kilns continue to operate, and construction remains unchecked, exacerbating air quality further. The government has acknowledged that night time air quality deteriorates due to heavy truck movement and ongoing construction, Dawn reported.
The Punjab government claims it will address the issue by adding new air monitors and improving reporting, but delays have left millions at risk. Pakistan's reluctance to enforce environmental policies has allowed pollution levels to reach hazardous highs, making Lahore's persistent pollution crisis a sobering example of inadequate governance and public health negligence.(ANI)
