Lahore has once again earned an unwanted title — the most polluted city in the world. According to health experts, the worsening air quality in Lahore is posing a serious threat to public health, especially among vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and patients with pre-existing conditions. The city’s smog levels have reached alarming heights, forcing authorities and medical professionals to issue urgent health advisories to the public.
Lahore’s Air Quality Crisis
Recent data shows that Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 485, making it the most polluted city globally. This dangerous level of air pollution means that the air residents breathe is filled with harmful particulate matter, especially PM2.5 — tiny particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Professor Dr. Javed Akram, a renowned medical expert, stated that Lahore’s air pollution has reached a level that can no longer be ignored. He emphasized that the elderly and children are the most affected, as their immune systems are less capable of fighting off the harmful effects of smog. People already suffering from asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions face even greater risks, as pollution can trigger life-threatening complications.
Health Risks of Lahore’s Pollution
According to medical experts, prolonged exposure to Lahore’s polluted air can lead to several short-term and long-term health issues. In the short term, people may experience coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty in breathing. In the long term, consistent exposure to polluted air can cause chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, heart attacks, and reduced life expectancy.
Dr. Akram warned that air pollution in Lahore has now become a public health emergency. He stressed that the city’s residents must take personal precautions to minimize exposure to smog. These include wearing masks when going outdoors, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying indoors during peak smog hours, especially early morning and late evening when pollution levels are highest.
Preventive Measures for Citizens
Experts suggest several ways to reduce the harmful impact of Lahore’s poor air quality. Dr. Akram advises citizens to wear protective masks, particularly N95 or KN95 masks, when stepping outdoors. These masks can filter out fine dust and pollutants, reducing the amount of harmful air inhaled.
He also recommends drinking plenty of water to help the body flush out toxins. Additionally, elderly people and those with chronic illnesses are urged to get vaccinated against pneumonia and influenza to reduce the risks of seasonal infections. Indoor air purifiers can also help minimize exposure to pollutants inside homes.
Government Action and Environmental Concerns
While individual precautions are essential, experts believe that the root cause of Lahore’s pollution lies in systemic issues such as vehicular emissions, industrial waste, crop burning, and poor urban planning. Despite repeated warnings from environmental agencies, progress on sustainable solutions has been slow.
The Punjab government has taken temporary measures, such as imposing restrictions on industrial operations, limiting traffic, and introducing artificial rain plans. However, experts argue that these are short-term fixes. Long-term strategies — such as promoting electric vehicles, enforcing stricter emission controls, and increasing urban greenery — are essential to bring lasting improvement.
Lahore’s Pollution in Comparison with Other Cities
Lahore’s air quality has deteriorated to levels even worse than some of the most polluted cities in Asia. Cities like Delhi, Beijing, and Dhaka have previously struggled with severe smog, but Lahore’s AQI of 485 now surpasses them all. Other major cities in Punjab, including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Multan, have also reported hazardous air quality, though none have reached Lahore’s extreme levels.
Experts stress that combating air pollution in Lahore requires collective effort. Citizens must be made aware of the health risks associated with smog and encouraged to adopt eco-friendly habits, such as using public transport, reducing vehicle usage, and planting trees. Schools and offices should also consider flexible schedules or remote work options during periods of intense smog.
Dr. Javed Akram emphasizes that Lahore’s pollution crisis is not just an environmental problem but a growing health disaster. Without immediate action, the city’s population will continue to suffer from severe health consequences, and the long-term impact on future generations could be devastating.
Lahore’s transformation into the most polluted city in the world is a wake-up call for both the government and citizens. Air pollution is silently damaging the health of millions, and urgent measures are needed to reverse this trend. While protective masks, hydration, and vaccination can provide temporary relief, only sustainable policies and collective responsibility can ensure cleaner air and a healthier future for Lahore.
