LAHORE | November 6, 2026
Lahore has emerged as the world’s most polluted major city, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 373, as worsening smog continues to pose serious health risks across Punjab.
According to a report published by 24 News HD, air pollution levels have risen sharply, with residents increasingly experiencing eye irritation, itching, coughing, sore throats and respiratory problems.
Data from air quality monitoring platform IQAir placed New Delhi second in the global ranking with an AQI of 244, followed by Kolkata at 235.
The situation is particularly alarming in several locations across Punjab. Multan recorded an AQI of 719, while readings reached 655 in Kahna Nau, 611 near the CERP office, 609 on Burki Road near Paragon, 583 in Allama Iqbal Town and 511 in Raiwind.
Other areas of Lahore also reported extremely high pollution levels. Readings reached 500 in Kahna Nau, along Multan Road and near Safari Park. Gulberg III recorded 483, while Burki Road registered 482.
Additional readings included 456 at ARC Lahore and 447 in Model Town’s A Block.
Meanwhile, Punjab’s provincial air quality monitoring data showed Lahore’s AQI at 430 at 7 a.m., an increase of 70 points compared with the previous day. Kasur recorded 462, placing it ahead of Lahore in the provincial readings.
Other affected cities included Vehari at 378, Pakpattan at 374, Rajanpur at 366, Jhang at 346 and Muzaffargarh at 340. The Punjab University area recorded 439, while DHA Phase 6 and GT Road registered 404.
The persistently high pollution levels have raised serious concerns about public health across Lahore and other parts of Punjab.
