UPDATE: Lahore’s smog emergency continued on Tuesday, with the city’s overall air quality index (AQI) again crossing 400 into the hazardous range, a day after Monday’s reading of 535. Local readings on Tuesday included 728 in Paragon City, 615 in Allama Iqbal Town and 435 in Model Town, showing pollution remained severe across neighbourhoods rather than easing.
Multan was Pakistan’s most polluted city on Tuesday with an AQI of 566, followed by Rahim Yar Khan at 483 and Faisalabad at 455, while Lahore remained among the world’s most polluted major cities. The Meteorological Department expects dry weather to persist with no chance of rain, so wind and rain are unlikely to bring quick relief.
Health experts warn that such levels pose serious risks, especially for children, older people, outdoor workers and those with lung or heart conditions, and residents have been advised to limit outdoor activity and wear masks outside. The episode underlines how the October-to-February smog season continues to disrupt school attendance, commuting and outdoor work across Punjab.
Sources: The Nation, The Express Tribune. Written in our own words for information only.