Pakistan’s cultural city Lahore has been declared the most polluted city in the world, with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 394, and the Pakistan’s Punjab government has planned for artificial rain to mitigate smog impact.

LAHORE (Web Desk) - The air quality in Lahore has reached critical levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 328 on Tuesday, placing the city at the top of the list of the world's most polluted cities.

Lahore: Pakistan 's cultural city Lahore been declared the most polluted city in the world, with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 394, and the Pakistan's Punjab government has planned for artificial rain to mitigate smog impact.

Earlier on October 12, Lahore also reported the worst air quality globally, alarming environmental officials about an early start to the smog season. Last year, the city first topped the list of the most polluted cities in the final week of October during the smog season.

“Yesterday Lahore was declared the most polluted city in the world. We have taken a number of initiatives to address the matter and now we are planning for an artificial rain in the city,” Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari told a press conference here on Tuesday.

Punjab province plans artificial rain to combat Lahore's severe smog following an AQI of 394, citing health issues like breathing difficulties. Officials are also pressing for joint efforts with India to tackle cross-border stubble burning and are promoting environmental education among farmers.