The persistent smog crisis continues to suffocate South Asia, with Lahore and New Delhi battling some of the worst air quality levels in the world, putting millions of lives at risk.

On Saturday morning, Lahore topped the global pollution charts with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 388, classified as hazardous, according to Swiss monitor IQAir.

New Delhi followed closely with an AQI of 293, as thick layers of toxic haze blanketed both cities, reducing visibility and triggering widespread respiratory issues.

The smog caused by vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, seasonal crop burning, and stagnant weather conditions has once again exposed the region’s struggle with pollution control.

By mid-morning, pollution levels fluctuated rapidly, with New Delhi surging to the top spot at an AQI of 456, overtaking Lahore (332), both reflecting extremely dangerous air quality.

Across Punjab, the situation remains dire. Gujranwala recorded an AQI of 431, and Faisalabad stood at 337, both exceeding safe limits many times over.

Punjab’s Environment Department attributed the worsening air to polluted easterly winds from India and neighboring regions, further thickening the toxic haze that has engulfed much of northern India and Pakistan.

Health experts are urging citizens to limit outdoor exposure, wear protective masks, and avoid unnecessary travel, as prolonged inhalation of such polluted air can lead to serious respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The Punjab government also warned that while slight improvement is expected during the afternoon, average AQI levels are likely to remain dangerously high.

Transportation has also been disrupted, with motorways temporarily closed due to reduced visibility caused by fog and smog. Authorities continue to advise caution on the roads to prevent accidents.

As winter sets in, the combination of cold air, low wind movement, and emissions traps pollutants closer to the ground creating an annual environmental emergency across the region.

The ongoing smog crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for regional cooperation, stronger environmental policies, and collective public responsibility to protect lives and ensure cleaner air for future generations.