Lahore smog briefly eases to 'unhealthy' before returning to 'hazardous'

**Lahore’s Air Quality Deteriorates to Hazardous Levels Before Slight Improvement**  

The air quality in Lahore, Punjab's smog-ridden provincial capital, briefly dipped below the "hazardous" threshold for human health on Tuesday morning before worsening again to its worst category.  

At 9:30 am, Lahore ranked as the second-most polluted city globally on IQ Air's live rankings, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 395. According to IQ Air, an AQI above 300 is classified as "hazardous," posing significant health risks.  

The city's PM2.5 concentration—the fine particulate matter most harmful to health—was recorded at 54.5 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air quality guideline. Earlier in the day, the AQI temporarily improved to 252, categorized as "very unhealthy," marking the second such improvement in two weeks.  

**Lahore and New Delhi Trade Places in Pollution Rankings**  
Lahore, home to 14 million people and situated near the Indian border, has led global air pollution charts in recent weeks due to severe smog. However, New Delhi replaced Lahore as the most polluted city on Tuesday, with its AQI reaching 431, the highest of the pre-winter season.  

**Punjab’s Struggle Against Toxic Smog**  
Punjab, home to over half of Pakistan’s 240 million population, has been battling hazardous smog for weeks as temperatures drop with the onset of winter. Schools in major cities like Lahore and Multan have been closed since November 6, with closures extended to November 24. Outdoor sports and activities remain banned until January, and authorities continue operations against pollution hotspots, including cracking down on polluting rickshaws, barbecues, and construction sites.  

Seasonal crop burning by farmers on Lahore's outskirts also contributes to the city's toxic air, which the WHO warns can lead to strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses.  

Meanwhile, Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, faces its own air quality challenges, ranking as the fifth-most polluted city globally on Tuesday with an AQI of 200.  

**South Asia’s Pollution Crisis**  
The toxic air in Punjab has partly been attributed to pollution from neighboring India. In response to its smog crisis, India has imposed restrictions on vehicle movement and construction activities and shifted schools to online classes.  

**Government Eases Restaurant Timings Amid Smog Decline**  
Punjab's Environmental Protection Department has relaxed operational hours for hotels and restaurants, citing a slight decline in smog levels. Establishments can now operate until 10 pm, compared to the previous 8 pm closing time. Dine-in, parking lot dining, and takeaway services are permitted until 10 pm, while home delivery services face no restrictions.  

Despite these measures, both Punjab and broader South Asia continue to grapple with dangerously high pollution levels, posing ongoing health risks to millions.