Punjab’s Anti-Smog Guns Fail as Lahore Suffocates Under World’s Most Toxic Air
Oct 31, 2025 am
Despite the Punjab government’s claims that anti-smog guns would help tackle air pollution, Lahore residents are once again struggling to breathe as the city tops the list of the world’s most polluted cities.
🌫️ Lahore Tops Global Pollution Rankings
According to IQAir, Lahore recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 443 on Friday morning — a level categorized as “hazardous” by international standards. This places Lahore at number one globally for the worst air quality.
The figure far exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO)’s safe air limits, putting millions of residents at risk of respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and reduced visibility due to thick smog.
🌍 Other Polluted Cities Lag Behind
Following Lahore on the global pollution index were:
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Delhi, India: AQI 178
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Kuwait City: AQI 168
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Karachi, Pakistan: AQI 163
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Doha, Qatar: AQI 153
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Beijing, China: AQI 152
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Dubai, UAE: AQI 135
These readings show that Lahore’s air quality crisis has reached unprecedented levels, outpacing other major global cities facing pollution challenges.
🚗 Causes Behind Lahore’s Smog Crisis
Environmental experts point to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and crop residue burning as the leading causes of Lahore’s worsening smog.
Additionally, calm winds and temperature inversion are trapping pollutants close to the surface, creating a thick, toxic haze that blankets the city — especially during early mornings and evenings.
⚠️ Public Health at Risk
Health professionals warn that prolonged exposure to such hazardous air can trigger breathing problems, eye irritation, and long-term heart and lung complications, particularly among children, elderly citizens, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Residents are advised to:
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Stay indoors during peak smog hours
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Use air purifiers and N95 masks
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Avoid outdoor exercise or long commutes during early mornings and nights
🌆 Calls for Action
Despite visible efforts like the deployment of anti-smog guns, experts argue that these are only short-term measures. Lasting improvement will require strict emission controls, industrial monitoring, and public awareness campaigns on crop burning and waste management.
Until then, Lahore’s skies remain grey — and its citizens, suffocating under the world’s most toxic air.
