LAHORE: The capital of Punjab province, Lahore on Tuesday topped the global pollution ranking with an unhealthy air quality level.

The second largest city in Pakistan continues to suffer from smog crises that has affected the health and livelihood of millions of people.

The latest data shows that Lahore’s air quality index is 427, which means the city’s air quality is worst.

The Indian capital Delhi is second in this list while Indian city of Kolkata is third in the list and Dubai is fourth in the list of the most polluted cities.

On the other hand, Punjab Environment Agency has demolished 328 brick kilns across the province since October 1, 2024.

According to the statement of Punjab Environment Agency spokesperson Sajid Bashir, teams inspected 1,487 industrial units and 4000 brick kilns across Punjab during the last 20 days.

Sajid Bashir saod that strict crackdown of Environment Punjab is going on, 93 industrial units and 72 brick kilns were sealed during 20 days.

Spokesperson said 1415 notices and 145 FIRs were registered to 1415 units and kilns across Punjab, 17,559 vehicles emitting smoke were inspected, while 5192 challans and 600 vehicles were closed.

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Earlier,  Lahore High Court (LHC) expressed satisfaction over the reduction in air pollution in Lahore and directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to ensure that vehicles’ without the m-tag do not ply on the Lahore-Islamabad motorway.

As the hearing commenced, the court was informed that Air Quality Index (AQI) had gone down from 400 to 180 in Lahore and the fresh air had also improved the weather.

Justice Shahid Karim appreciated the efforts made by concerned authorities and observed that the media should also inform the citizens about the decrease in AQI.