Lahore: Lahore once again ranked first among the world’s 10 most polluted cities as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous level of 433 on Sunday. The city experienced hazy and partly cloudy weather throughout the day, while environmental experts warned that the air quality posed serious health risks. PM2.5 concentration was recorded at 58.3 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended annual guideline.
Data showed that the most polluted areas of the provincial capital included DHA Phase VI with an AQI of 569, followed by Wahdat Colony at 566, Barki Road at 462, Cantonment at 456, B Block Phase V DHA at 453, Askari X at 318, Allama Iqbal Town at 299, Liberty at 275, Model Town at 235 and Bedian Road at 206.
According to the Meteorological Department, continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country, while a westerly wave was expected to approach western regions from Monday. Officials said there was a possibility of rain in Lahore within the next 24 hours. Cold and dry weather is likely to continue across most areas, with partly cloudy to cloudy conditions in upper regions, while rain with wind and thunderstorms is expected in northern and western Balochistan. Moderate to dense fog may also develop over plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh during morning and night hours.
On Sunday, the minimum temperature in Lahore was recorded at 7°C, while the maximum reached 19°C. Due to dense fog and reduced visibility, several motorways were closed to traffic, including the M2 from Lahore to Hiran Minar, M3 from Faizpur to Jaranwala, M4 from Khanewal to Multan and Faisalabad to Abdul Hakeem, and the Lahore–Sialkot Motorway M11.
A spokesperson for the Motorway Police said the closures were carried out to protect lives and property, advising citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and to prefer travelling during daylight hours.