Pakistan’s air quality crisis: Multan, Peshawar, and Lahore top dangerous smog levels

In an alarming development, Pakistan’s major cities, including Multan, Peshawar, and Lahore, are recording some of the world’s highest air pollution levels, with Multan reaching a record-breaking level of 1009 on the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI). Experts warn that this level is well into the “hazardous” range, with serious health implications for all, especially children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues.

Today, Lahore ranked third with an AQI of 517, while Peshawar stood second at 755, reflecting a nationwide air pollution crisis. These toxic levels expose millions of citizens to dangerously poor air quality, severely increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which can lead to long-term health consequences.

The impact extends beyond Multan, Peshawar, and Lahore; smaller cities like Haripur, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad also report severely polluted air. Haripur’s AQI reached 264, while Rawalpindi and Islamabad recorded AQIs of 256 and 244, respectively. These readings confirm widespread poor air quality, posing a growing health threat across the country.

Medical professionals are particularly concerned about the high risk for vulnerable groups. “These levels are hazardous for everyone, but especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and people suffering from asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions,” said Dr. Farah Ahmad, a public health expert. “If this trend continues without action, we could face a surge in health crises, overwhelming the healthcare system.”

Environmentalists and civil society groups are urging the government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to address the root causes of smog and pollution. They are calling for stricter emissions regulations, restrictions on industrial pollution, and a reduction in vehicle emissions. Additionally, they emphasise the need for greater awareness campaigns to educate citizens on how to protect themselves from the effects of smog.