Air pollution levels in Lahore have soared to unprecedented heights, with the city’s air quality reaching 40 times the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended safe limit, sparking public concern and health warnings.

On Saturday, the air quality index (AQI) in Lahore spiked to 1,067, far exceeding the “dangerous” level of 300, and deadly PM2.5 pollutant levels peaked at 610, posing severe health risks. According to WHO standards, a 24-hour PM2.5 reading above 15 is considered unhealthy.