Video: Pakistan’s smog-hit Lahore battles worst smog in years
Experts say the pollution is primarily caused by factory and traffic emissions
Lahore, the capital city of Pakistan's Punjab province, has endured its most severe smog season in years. Tens of millions of Pakistanis breathe air that is toxic and up to 20 times more polluted than safe levels. According to data analyzed by AFP, the 2024-2025 winter smog season has set new records, beginning a month earlier than usual in October and lasting longer, impacting not just Lahore but other major cities across the country.
The residents of Lahore, a city of over 14 million people, have faced six months of exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 particles—microscopic pollutants capable of entering deep into the lungs and bloodstream. These pollutants have reached levels that exceed the World Health Organization's recommended limits by 20 times or more, posing a serious threat to public health.
The situation is not limited to Lahore alone. Cities such as Karachi, Pakistan's largest metropolis, and Islamabad, the capital, also experienced pollution levels that reached similar extremes. According to AFP's analysis, residents of these cities endured over 120 days of hazardous air pollution.
This toxic air crisis is a recurring problem in Pakistan, particularly during winter. Between November and February, Lahore has consistently ranked among the most polluted megacities in the world. However, this year's smog season has intensified the already dire situation, with pollution levels continuing to rise and affecting more cities than in past years.
