Lahore ranked second in the list of most polluted major cities in the world, according to the global air quality monitoring organization IQAir.  Indian capital topped the list of most polluted major cities in the world with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 274 on Saturday morning while Lahore was second with an AQI of 228.  The AQI at varirous location in Lahore was recorded at 441 at Lower Mall, 324 at Bedian Road, and 310 at Raiwind road.

Experts have warned that an AQI above 302 poses serious risks to human health, increasing the chances of respiratory and other diseases.  Due to the severity of smog, the air quality in Multan, Sialkot, Gujranwala and Bahawalpur has become extremely hazardous to health. The AQI in Multan rose to 443, Sialkot to 294, Gujranwala to 278, and Bahawalpur to 217.  Meanwhile, the health experts have strongly advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and to wear masks to protect themselves from the harmful effects of smog.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)