Lahore’s air quality takes a hit as AQI climbs to 155
Lahore AQI 155 was the reading on Wednesday evening, October 7, 2026: the city’s average air quality index stood at 155, a level the Punjab Environment Protection Agency’s live data rates as unhealthy for sensitive groups. The reading marks an early deterioration ahead of the annual smog season, and it placed Lahore fifth among the world’s most polluted major cities.
Lahore AQI 155: the worst-hit spots
The highest readings came from Safari Park at 172, followed by Shahdara at 168, Egerton Road at 162, DHA Phase 6 at 160 and the Wagah Border at 159. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reached 103.9 micrograms per cubic metre at Safari Park.
In the live global ranking, Lahore sat behind Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kolkata and Delhi.
Vehicle crackdown from October 15
The Punjab Provincial Transport Authority will begin a crackdown on October 15 against private vehicles running without fitness certificates, a move aimed at cutting smoke emissions. Twenty inspection centres have been designated across the province, 14 of them in Lahore, and ordered to operate round the clock, seven days a week.
Why this matters now
Lahore’s smog season typically sets in during October and November, when cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground. Vehicle emissions are among the main contributors, alongside industrial discharge and crop-residue burning in the surrounding districts. Wednesday’s readings suggest the season is starting on a poor note.
The fitness-certificate drive is the province’s opening move. How strictly it is enforced, and whether it extends beyond private vehicles, will decide how much of the coming smog the city can avoid.
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FAQs
What was Lahore’s AQI on October 7?
The city’s average AQI stood at 155 on Wednesday evening, rated unhealthy for sensitive groups. Safari Park recorded the highest reading at 172.
What is the Punjab government doing about smog?
The Provincial Transport Authority will crack down from October 15 on private vehicles without fitness certificates. Twenty inspection centres, 14 in Lahore, will operate round the clock, seven days a week.
How does Lahore rank globally for air pollution?
On Wednesday evening, Lahore ranked fifth among the world’s most polluted major cities, behind Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kolkata and Delhi.
