Pakistan, Dec. 20 -- Lahore's air quality reached critical levels on Friday evening, according to IQAir data. The citywide AQI peaked at 504 at 5pm, placing Lahore among the world's most polluted cities. PM10 particles were identified as the main pollutant, with a concentration of 448.6 micrograms per cubic metre.

Several areas reported hazardous readings above 400. CERP Office recorded 682, Iqbal Town 605, and Barki Road 558. Other localities including Defence, Bedian Road, and Abdullah Khokhar also showed severe pollution levels, while some areas ranged between 250 and 309.

Comparatively, Delhi led with an AQI of 343, followed by Lahore at 327 in global rankings. Experts warn that exposure to PM10 can cause respiratory strain, eye irr...