Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province, has once again topped the list of the most polluted cities in the world, as per the latest data from IQAir. With an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400, Lahore’s air has been classified as “hazardous,” marking a public health emergency. Environmental experts have warned that the city’s air quality is 80 times worse than what is considered healthy, with PM2.5 levels skyrocketing.
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As winter sets in, Lahore’s smog crisis worsens each year due to a phenomenon called temperature inversion, where cool air traps pollutants closer to the ground, combining fog with toxic emissions to form deadly smog.
Pollution in South Asia
Lahore’s pollution problem is not isolated; South Asia faces a regional air quality crisis. New Delhi, India, closely follows Lahore in the IQAir rankings, with an AQI of 285, labeled as “very unhealthy.” Karachi also features among the top 20 most polluted cities, with an AQI of 107, a level dangerous for sensitive groups such as those with respiratory illnesses. Other cities like Dubai, Kinshasa, and Hanoi also suffer from poor air quality, though Lahore remains the most hazardous.
According to environmentalist Yasir Husain, while air pollution may seem like a seasonal issue, it is a year-round public health emergency. The burning of agricultural waste, vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions are the primary causes of this extreme pollution. In winter, slower wind speeds allow pollutants to linger in the air longer, worsening the smog.
Health Impacts and Public Safety Concerns
The hazardous air quality in Lahore has already triggered widespread health issues, with local hospitals reporting a surge in respiratory problems. Common complaints include coughing, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, and skin infections. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma and cardiovascular diseases are particularly vulnerable.
Health experts urge citizens to take protective measures such as wearing masks outdoors, keeping windows closed, avoiding outdoor exercise, and using air purifiers indoors. The situation is so dire that rising pollution levels could cut the average life expectancy in South Asia by more than five years, according to recent reports.
Government’s Response
In response to the crisis, the Punjab government has enacted several measures to combat smog, including the introduction of anti-smog squads and plans for artificial rain. Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that if smog levels continue to rise, the government would deploy artificial rain at a cost of Rs5-7 million. However, she emphasized that the long-term solution lies in reducing pollution from its sources. Crackdowns on factories and vehicles emitting toxic smoke are ongoing, and the government has launched a 24/7 helpline (1373) for citizens to report stubble burning or other pollution-related activities.
Aurangzeb also launched anti-smog squads equipped with vehicles to monitor and enforce anti-pollution regulations. These squads are tasked with educating farmers on alternative methods of crop residue disposal to prevent harmful stubble burning, one of the leading causes of smog. The government has also started campaigns to raise public awareness and promote the use of super seeders, machines that can eliminate the need for burning agricultural waste.
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Despite these efforts, the smog crisis in Lahore shows no signs of abating in the near future. Experts believe it could take 8 to 10 years before any significant improvements in air quality become visible. Critics argue that the government’s efforts so far have been cosmetic, with only superficial measures like smog squads or brick kiln conversions keeping bureaucrats busy.