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As Lahore continues to battle severe smog, other cities in Punjab, including Rawalpindi, are now also grappling with deteriorating air quality. The federal capital, Islamabad, has not been spared either, with a significant decline in air quality in recent days.
On Monday, the Punjab government took further measures to combat the rising pollution by imposing a ban on all outdoor activities in Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad until November 17.
The worsening situation has prompted the provincial government to take drastic steps, including plans to conduct artificial rain in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other smog-affected cities in an effort to clear the air. Additionally, to address deteriorating indoor air quality, the Punjab Environment Department (PED) has mandated the installation of air purifiers in all malls and commercial plazas across the province.
Current Air Quality Index (AQI) and Pollution Levels in Major Cities:
- Lahore, Punjab – 465 US AQI
Lahore continues to grapple with severe air pollution, currently holding the top spot as the most polluted city in Pakistan. With an AQI of 465, the air quality falls into the “hazardous” category, posing a serious health risk to the general population, especially those with respiratory conditions, the elderly, and children. - Rawalpindi, Punjab – 364 US AQI
Rawalpindi, located near the national capital, has also been severely affected by smog, with an AQI of 364. This level of pollution is classified as “very unhealthy,” and authorities are urging residents to avoid outdoor activities as much as possible. - Islamabad– 292 US AQI
The capital city Islamabad is experiencing “very unhealthy” air quality with an AQI of 292. While slightly lower than Lahore and Rawalpindi, the air quality still poses a significant health risk to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. - Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – 221 US AQI
Haripur, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has an AQI of 221, which is categorized as “unhealthy.” While not as severe as the air quality in Lahore and Rawalpindi, it still poses a risk to sensitive individuals, including those with asthma or heart conditions. - Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – 216 US AQI
Peshawar is also facing unhealthy air quality, with an AQI of 216. This level of pollution can affect sensitive groups, leading to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health problems. - Karachi, Sindh – 69 US AQI
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, has the lowest AQI among the cities listed here, but it is still classified as “moderate.” While the air quality is not as hazardous as in the other cities, it is still important for sensitive individuals to be cautious.
