LAHORE: The Lahore once again ranked as the world’s most polluted city, as air quality across several Pakistani cities remained hazardous on Tuesday.
According to a global environmental monitoring website, Lahore recorded an air particulate matter level of 342, placing it at the top of the list of the world’s most polluted major cities.
The report said air quality in different parts of the country continued to pose serious health risks. Peshawar was recorded as Pakistan’s most polluted city with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 435, while Faisalabad reported an AQI of 278.
Data shared by the Punjab Environment Department showed that Narowal recorded an AQI of 279, Sheikhupura 251, and Khanewal 236, all falling within unhealthy to hazardous categories.
Environmental experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such pollution levels could lead to severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems, urging citizens to limit outdoor activities and take precautionary measures.
On the other hand, cold and partly cloudy weather is expected to prevail across most parts of the country today, according to the latest forecast. Dense fog and smog are also likely to affect several regions, particularly during morning and night hours.
In Punjab, upper Sindh, and the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, moderate to dense fog and smog are expected to persist, which may disrupt road and air travel. Islamabad and surrounding areas are likely to experience cold weather with partly cloudy skies.
Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most districts are expected to remain cold with partly cloudy skies. However, Chitral, Dir, and Kohistan may experience cloudy weather with rain and light snowfall over the hills. Fog is likely during morning and night hours in Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Dera Ismail Khan, and nearby areas.
In Punjab, cold and partly cloudy weather will prevail in most districts. Murree, Galiyat, and adjoining areas are expected to remain cold with partly cloudy skies. Fog is likely in Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Gujranwala.
Moderate to dense fog and smog are expected in Gujrat, Jhelum, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Bahawalnagar, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Khanewal, Khanpur, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, and surrounding areas.
In Sindh, most districts will remain dry, with cold conditions during morning and night hours. Fog is expected in Sukkur, Rohri, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Larkana, Mohenjo-daro, and nearby areas during early morning and nighttime.
Most parts of Balochistan are likely to experience cold weather with partly cloudy skies.
Authorities have advised citizens, especially commuters, to take precautionary measures due to reduced visibility caused by fog and smog in several regions.
