Lahore's air quality takes a hit

Safari Park recorded the highest AQI at 172, followed by Shahdara at 168, Egerton Road 162, DHA Phase 6 at 160 and Wagah Border 159. GT Road recorded 158, Barki Road 157 and Kahna Nau 152, while Multan Road stood at 149 and Punjab University 132.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was a major component of the pollution readings, with concentrations reaching 103.9 microgrammes per cubic metre at Safari Park and 95.6 at Shahdara. The deterioration comes as Lahore enters the period when air pollution typically intensifies, with vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, brick-kiln smoke, crop-residue burning and construction dust among the sources contributing to poor air quality.

Lahore was among the world's most polluted major cities in the AQI ranking for Wednesday, with a reading of 156 placing it fifth behind Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kolkata and Delhi. The rankings are based on live readings and can change significantly within hours depending on weather conditions, emissions and other factors.

IQAir's live ranking placed Lahore among the world's 10 most polluted major cities. Against this backdrop, the Punjab Provincial Transport Authority decided to begin a crackdown from October 15 on private vehicles without fitness certificates.

The province has around 2.3 million registered private vehicles, while 20 Provincial Vehicle Inspection and Certification System centres have been designated for fitness certification. Of these, 14 are in Lahore, two in Faisalabad and one each in Sargodha, Multan, Sadiqabad and Rahim Yar Khan.

The authority has issued fresh instructions to all centres to remain operational round the clock, seven days a week, in order to cope with the expected demand before enforcement begins. The centres have been directed to maintain stocks of inspection stickers.

Failure to comply with the instructions will be considered a breach of licensing conditions.