KARACHI: Pakistan’s most populous city, Karachi on Wednesday ranked second in the list of most polluted cities worldwide with an air quality index recorded at 198.
Meanwhile, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 162, ranking it the ninth most polluted city in the world. Cold winds continued to pose a challenge to the Lahorites. The current temperature was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius. The weather office has predicted a minimum temperature of six and a maximum of 12 degrees Celsius in the provincial capital of Punjab province.
Rain forecast
The Meteorological Office has said that there will be no rain for the next three days including today (Tuesday).
Earlier, Lahore’s air quality remained severely toxic over the weekend despite three holidays and the “Garden City” was on Tuesday declared the second most polluted city in the world.
Due to the prevalence of thick smog clouds, Lahore’s AQI was recorded at 288 on Tuesday morning, exceeding the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines by 48 times.
In and around Garden Town area of Lahore, the air quality index was recorded at 572, 462 in Gulberg and its adjoining areas, 454 in Defense and surrounding areas, 368 in Garhi Shah and nearby areas and 362 in Mall Road and surrounding areas.
International monitors say a normal air quality index is 50 or less. The Indian capital New Delhi has taken first place in the ranking of the most polluted cities in the world.
The toxic air has caused severe respiratory problems and other related infections among citizens, and doctors have advised them to wear masks when stepping outside their homes.
