ISLAMABAD: Senator Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s former climate change minister, expressed concern on Friday about Lahore’s air pollution, saying it had reached a point where residents were “breathing smoke,” though the authorities were still relying on administrative measures such as lockdowns and school closures that were insufficient to address the crisis.

Earlier in the day, Lahore topped the list of most polluted cities in the world once again, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) level hovering around 490.

The AQI is a standardized tool measuring air pollutants like particulate matter and ozone, serving as a crucial barometer for public health. An AQI over 300 is considered “hazardous,” meaning the air poses serious health risks to all residents, not just vulnerable groups.

“Lahore continues to reign as the world’s most polluted city today, holding the top spot on the air quality index,” Rehman said in a social media post. “This extreme level of pollution, far exceeding the safe limit of 300, means that Lahore’s citizens are essentially breathing in smoke, posing a significant threat to their health and well-being.”

Located in the Punjab region of Pakistan, Lahore faces severe air pollution during winter as farmers burn crop stubble, contributing to smog compounded by emissions from low-grade diesel.

The pervasive smog forced schools in the province at the outset of this month to notify parents via text message to provide their children with face masks.

The province’s interim chief minister, Mohsin Naqvi, also announced four holidays in an effort to address the problem, as the Lahore High Court instructed the provincial authorities to declare “smog emergency” to tackle its underlying causes and mitigate impact.

Rehman pointed out that a National Clean Air Policy had been in place since last year, adding that the provincial authorities should take decisive action based on it instead of announcing lockdowns and closures.

“While school closures and lockdowns may provide temporary relief, they are not sustainable solutions,” she added. “Instead, concrete measures must be taken to address the root causes of Lahore’s air pollution crisis, ensuring a healthier and cleaner environment for its residents.”

The Punjab provincial authorities have stated that the government is actively penalizing farmers who burn crop residue and is closely monitoring the situation.

Pakistani officials also attribute Lahore’s smog to environmental conditions in nearby New Delhi, India.