Pakistan, particularly its Punjab province, is currently facing one of the worst air pollution crises in its history. The health of millions has been compromised due to dangerously high levels of smog, which have persisted since October 2024. The air pollution is primarily concentrated in the eastern Punjab province, where an estimated 1.8 million people have fallen ill in the past month.
Major cities like Lahore, the provincial capital, have seen air quality index (AQI) levels surpass hazardous levels, with some readings exceeding 1,000. This crisis has triggered school closures, warnings from authorities, and widespread health concerns, especially for children and the elderly.
Health and Social Impact
According to health officials, respiratory diseases, eye infections, and other pollution-related health issues have skyrocketed.
Over 1.8 million people sought medical attention in the past 30 days alone. The U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned that approximately 11 million children in Punjab are at serious risk due to prolonged exposure to toxic air.
Hospitals across the region have been inundated with patients suffering from asthma, coughing, and other respiratory issues. According to Dr. Irfan Malik, a pulmonologist in Lahore, the city’s hospitals have reported a surge in admissions related to breathing difficulties, which is particularly alarming given that the region has not yet experienced the full brunt of the winter season.
The smog, caused by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural burning (especially stubble burning by farmers in both Pakistan and India), has reduced visibility and severely compromised daily life.
Lahore's High Court has instituted measures such as closing markets early, banning motorbikes in certain areas, and ordering "green lockdowns" in an attempt to mitigate the situation.
Environmental Concerns
Satellite images from NASA confirm that Lahore and surrounding regions are enveloped in a thick layer of smog, visible from space.
The pollution is attributed not only to local sources but also to agricultural burning in neighboring India. NASA's estimates suggest that between 15,500 and 18,500 fires have been recorded in the region, contributing significantly to the crisis.
However, industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and the use of coal-fired brick kilns in Lahore also add to the air pollution.
The Environmental Protection Department in Punjab reported that Multan was the most polluted city as of early November, with AQI readings reaching 700. Anything above 300 is classified as hazardous to human health.
The AQI in Lahore has consistently breached 1,000, with some areas recording unprecedented levels of 1,900, far exceeding the recommended safety thresholds set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Government Response and Criticism
While the government of Pakistan has implemented some short-term solutions, such as school closures, mandatory mask-wearing, and plans to induce artificial rain, critics argue that these measures are insufficient.
Citizens like Sadia Kashif, a Lahore resident, have voiced concerns that the government’s efforts, such as the so-called “green lockdowns,” are not addressing the root causes of the problem.
There is growing public demand for a long-term plan to reduce air pollution, including the development of better public transportation systems and stronger industrial regulations.
Pakistan's Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, announced intentions to engage in “climate diplomacy” with Indian Punjab, as both regions contribute to the pollution problem. However, meaningful cooperation between the two countries has yet to materialize.
International Perspective
Air pollution is not a new issue for South Asia, which experiences a seasonal spike in pollution during the winter months due to atmospheric conditions that trap smoke and emissions. The BBC and other international outlets have highlighted that the scale of the crisis this year is unprecedented. According to BBC, the air quality in Lahore has deteriorated significantly, with readings exceeding 1,900 in some areas, 120 times the WHO's recommended levels. AP News reported on the severe health impact on children and the elderly, with Lahore's hospitals struggling to manage the surge in patients.
A report from USA Today emphasized that the pollution levels in Lahore and other parts of Punjab are so extreme that they have become visible from space. The situation in Pakistan mirrors that of northern India, where cities like Delhi have also reported record levels of air pollution.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The air pollution crisis in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore, has reached critical levels.
Immediate actions, such as the closure of schools and mandatory mask usage, have provided temporary relief. However, long-term solutions are necessary to address the root causes of air pollution.
These include transitioning to cleaner energy sources, improving public transportation, and engaging in cross-border environmental agreements with India to reduce agricultural burning.
Without significant efforts, millions of lives remain at risk, and the region's air quality will continue to deteriorate. The situation calls for urgent collaboration between local and international stakeholders to devise and implement sustainable solutions.