LAHORE: Despite government measures to combat rising smog levels, Lahore has once again earned the grim distinction of being the most polluted city in the world, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 253 on Thursday, according to a report by 24NewsHD TV.

The Punjab government’s ongoing anti-smog efforts, including the use of smog guns and water sprinkling on roads, have so far failed to bring significant relief to residents. Dense haze continues to blanket the city, reducing visibility and worsening health conditions.

Lahore Leads, New Delhi Close Behind

According to the latest global air quality rankings, New Delhi followed closely behind with an AQI of 252, while Karachi ranked fifth, recording an AQI of 181.

Experts warn that these figures reflect dangerously high pollution levels, posing serious risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health. Environmental analysts have linked the worsening smog to transboundary pollution, industrial emissions, and post-Diwali firecracker smoke drifting from across the Indian border.

Earlier reports by 24News indicated that massive firework celebrations in Indian cities such as New Delhi, Amritsar, and Ludhiana earlier this week caused an extreme spike in regional air pollution, which subsequently spread toward Punjab due to prevailing wind patterns.

Punjab’s Efforts Yet to Show Results

Despite the efforts of provincial authorities, including continuous water sprinkling on dusty roads, restrictions on crop residue burning, and the deployment of anti-smog cannons at key entry points such as Thokar Niaz Beg, the air quality has shown little improvement.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reportedly taken strict notice of the worsening situation, instructing all relevant departments — including WASA, LDA, and Municipal Administrations — to intensify cleanup and dust suppression operations.

However, the steps appear to be insufficient against the scale of the problem, as Lahore continues to remain among the world’s top five most polluted cities almost daily during the winter season.

Health Experts Advise Caution

Health professionals have urged residents to avoid outdoor activities, particularly during early mornings and late nights when smog concentration is highest. They also recommend wearing high-filtration masks (N95 or KN95) and using air purifiers indoors.

Children, elderly citizens, and those with asthma or heart disease have been advised to take extra precautions. “The persistent smog contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream,” said a Lahore-based pulmonologist.

A Recurring Environmental Crisis

Lahore’s recurring air quality crisis has become an annual environmental challenge, largely attributed to vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and seasonal crop burning. Environmental activists have called for long-term reforms including public transport expansion, stricter emission standards, and cross-border cooperation with India to reduce regional smog.

Until such measures are fully implemented, the city’s residents remain vulnerable to the choking haze that has now become an unwelcome seasonal reality.