Lahore Ranked World Most Polluted City — Pakistan No.1 in Air Pollution
Lahore Ranked World Most Polluted City is now carrying a very different title — the world’s most polluted city. According to the latest global air quality reports, Pakistan has officially become the No.1 country in the world for worst air pollution, surpassing nations like India, Bangladesh, and China. This unfortunate position has raised serious concerns about public health, environmental safety, and government policies.
The situation in Lahore has grown so severe that citizens often wake up to thick layers of smog instead of clear skies. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore frequently crosses 400–500, which falls under the category of “Hazardous”, a level that can harm even healthy people within minutes of exposure. For children, elderly citizens, and asthma patients, this kind of toxic air can be life-threatening.
This dangerous rise in pollution is not a sudden event. For the past few years, Lahore has repeatedly ranked among the top polluted cities in the world, often competing with Delhi, Dhaka, and Kolkata. However, in the most recent ranking, Lahore has surpassed them all — taking the No.1 spot.
The bigger concern is that this is not just Lahore’s problem anymore. Other Pakistani cities like Karachi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, and Peshawar are also reporting extremely poor AQI levels. With Pakistan now ranked as the most polluted country, experts warn that if urgent action is not taken, pollution-related deaths will rise sharply in the coming years.
So, what exactly led Lahore to become the world’s most polluted city? Who is responsible? What steps is the government taking? And most importantly — how can ordinary people protect themselves?
Let’s explore all of this in detail.
What is AQI and Why Lahore’s Score is Dangerous?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale used to measure air pollution. It ranges from 0 to 500, where:
| AQI Range | Category | Health Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good | Safe for everyone |
| 51–100 | Moderate | Acceptable but may affect sensitive people |
| 101–150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | |
| 151–200 | Unhealthy | Everyone may feel irritation |
| 201–300 | Very Unhealthy | |
| 301–500 | Hazardous | Serious health risk for all citizens |
The problem is that Lahore often crosses 400 or even 500 AQI, which means the air is like smoking 30 to 40 cigarettes a day — even if you don’t smoke at all.
Why Lahore Became the World’s Most Polluted City:
There are several major reasons behind Lahore’s worsening air quality:
1. Uncontrolled Vehicle Emissions
Old cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, and buses without proper filters release thick poisonous smoke daily. Pakistan lacks strict vehicle inspection systems.
2. Industrial Pollution
Factories around Lahore — especially brick kilns — burn rubber, plastic, and low-quality fuel, producing dangerous toxins.
3. Crop Burning (Stubble Smoke from Punjab)
Every year after harvesting, farmers in Punjab and across the border in Indian Punjab burn leftover crops, releasing millions of tons of smoke into the atmosphere.
4. Construction Dust
High-speed construction without proper safety nets throws tons of dust into the air.
5. Lack of Trees and Green Spaces
Rapid urbanization has reduced green cover. Fewer trees = less oxygen and natural filtration.
Read More: Punjab Livestock Relief Program 2025
Lahore vs. Delhi vs. Dhaka — Who is Worse?
| City | Average AQI in Peak Smog Season | Pollution Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Lahore (Pakistan) | 400–500 | #1 (Most Polluted) |
| Delhi (India) | 350–450 | #2 |
| Dhaka (Bangladesh) | 300–400 | #3 |
This comparison clearly shows that Lahore has officially surpassed Delhi, which was previously known globally for its pollution crisis.
Health Impact — How Smog is Affecting Lahore’s Residents:
Doctors are reporting a rapid increase in:
- Breathing problems & asthma attacks
- Eye irritation and infections
- Throat pain and cough
- Skin allergies
- Heart issues due to toxic particles entering the bloodstream
According to health experts, children and pregnant women are at the highest risk, as polluted air can even harm unborn babies.
Read More: CM Punjab Launches Livestock Card Phase 2
What Actions Has the Government Taken?
To fight this crisis, the Punjab government and Lahore High Court have taken several measures:
- Smog Emergency Declared
- Schools often closed temporarily due to health risks
- Section 144 imposed to ban crop burning & garbage burning
- Mandatory Mask Advisory issued
- Fine on factories and brick kilns without filters
- Even/Odd vehicle scheme under consideration
However, experts believe enforcement is weak, and stronger policies are needed.
How Can Citizens Protect Themselves?
Here are some important safety tips:
✔️ Always wear an N95 mask when going outside
✔️ Avoid early morning and late-night outdoor activities
✔️ Use air purifiers at home if possible
✔️ Place indoor plants like Aloe Vera, Money Plant, and Snake Plant
✔️ Drink hot water and herbal tea to keep throat clean
✔️ Wash your face and eyes often after coming from outside
Read More: CM Maryam Nawaz Launches Biggest Livestock Relief Program
Conclusion:
Lahore Ranked World Most Polluted City is not a matter of pride — it is a warning. It clearly shows that Pakistan needs urgent action to protect its citizens. From the government to individual citizens, everyone must contribute to making the air cleaner.
If strict measures are implemented — such as promoting electric vehicles, banning outdated factories, and planting millions of trees — Pakistan can slowly move out of this crisis.
But if no action is taken, the consequences will be dangerous — shorter life expectancy, increased diseases, and a future where clean air becomes a luxury.
The world is watching, but more importantly — our children are breathing this air.
It’s time to act.
FAQs Lahore Ranked World Most Polluted City 2025:
1. Why is Lahore called the most polluted city now?
Because recent AQI data shows Lahore has recorded the highest pollution levels globally, even higher than Delhi and Dhaka.
2. Which organization ranked Lahore No.1 in pollution?
Global air quality platforms like IQAir and WHO-linked data marked Lahore at the top.
3. What is Pakistan’s air pollution rank globally?
Pakistan is currently ranked No.1 in terms of worst air quality.
4. Can smog cause serious illness?
Yes, smog can cause asthma, heart disease, lung infections, and even premature death.
5. What are PM2.5 particles?
These are tiny toxic particles smaller than a human hair that enter our lungs and bloodstream, causing serious health issues.
6. Is school closure helpful during smog?
Yes, since children are highly sensitive, keeping them indoors reduces risk.
7. Can rain reduce smog?
Yes, rainfall naturally cleans the air, but it is only a temporary relief.
8. Is wearing a cloth mask enough?
No, you must wear N95 or KN95 masks for proper protection.
