Citizens Urged to Wear Masks as Lahore Ranks 2nd Most Polluted City

Lahore’s air quality continues to deteriorate, ranking the city second among the world’s most polluted cities. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached an alarming 394, declaring the city’s atmosphere hazardous and unsafe for health. Areas like DHA Phase 8 (759), Paragon (661), and FC College (611) recorded extremely high pollution levels. Environmental experts have urged residents to wear masks and limit outdoor exposure. The smog has also begun affecting visibility and educational activities, occasionally forcing school closures. Meanwhile, the Punjab Education Department has announced winter vacations across the province from December 23, 2025, to January 10, 2026, with schools reopening on January 13. Both public and private institutions will follow the same schedule