Eastern Winds from India Push Air Pollution to Hazardous Levels in Central Punjab

Lahore:Air pollution in central Punjab, particularly **Lahore**, has surged to dangerous levels due to **polluted eastern winds blowing in from India**, according to the Punjab Environment Department. The department warned that Lahore’s **average Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to range between 320 and 360**, while at its peak, the city recorded an AQI of **450**, ranking it as the **third most polluted city in Pakistan**.

Monitoring data shows **extremely hazardous particulate matter (PM) levels** across Lahore, with readings of **1018 at Secretariat, 997 at Sanda Road, and 820 at Ravi Road**. Experts advised residents to **wear masks and avoid outdoor activities unless necessary**. Some improvement in air quality is expected in Lahore between **1 PM and 5 PM**.

Other highly polluted areas include **Burki Road, Shahdara, Multan Road, GT Road, and Edgerton Road**, all recording AQI of **500**. Similarly, **Dera Ghazi Khan and Kasur** also feature among the country’s most polluted cities, with AQI readings of **500 in Dera Ghazi Khan**, **286 in Kasur**, **601 in Raiwind**, **442 in Gujranwala**, **398 in Lahore**, **337 in Faisalabad**, and **358 in Sheikhupura**.

Authorities urged citizens to take **precautionary measures** to minimize exposure to hazardous air.