Lahore’s air quality deteriorated sharply on October 3, with IQAir recording an AQI above 250 while Punjab EPA reported a citywide AQI of 295 and hazardous readings in some areas.
Air pollution in Lahore has reached dangerous levels, with multiple monitoring systems reporting severely deteriorated air quality across the Punjab capital on October 3.
According to IQAir’s live data, Lahore’s US AQI was recorded at around 253, placing the city’s air in the “Very Unhealthy” category. At this level, health risks increase for the general population, while children, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions face greater risk.
Punjab’s official Environmental Protection Agency monitoring network reported an even higher overall Lahore AQI of 295 at 9am on October 3. The situation varied sharply across the city, with Shahdara reaching 500, while Multan Road, GT Road and Kahna Nau also recorded extremely high pollution levels.
The two systems use different AQI classifications. Under Punjab EPA’s scale, 201–300 is classified as “Unhealthy,” while IQAir’s US AQI system categorises readings between 201 and 300 as “Very Unhealthy.”
Karachi’s air quality remained considerably better by comparison. Recent IQAir readings placed Karachi in the Moderate category, although air-quality measurements can change substantially during the day.
Lahore has repeatedly appeared near the top of global live pollution rankings in recent days. However, global AQI rankings are updated hourly, meaning a city’s position can change quickly as pollution levels and weather conditions shift.
Residents, particularly vulnerable groups, are advised to reduce unnecessary outdoor exposure during periods of high pollution and follow official air-quality and health advisories.