Punjab, Pakistan, is grappling with an alarming health crisis as smog levels are reported to be reaching hazardous heights, prompting the provincial government to declare a health emergency. Severe air pollution has caused widespread respiratory issues, affecting over 35,000 patients seeking treatment at hospitals due to smog-related illnesses.
After weeks of toxic haze enveloping the region, the Punjab government has mandated significant restrictions, including school closures and lockdowns, especially targeting Lahore and Multan, the most affected cities. Starting from November 15, authorities have announced the full closure of schools until November 24. This decision was made to safeguard the health of students and tackle the worsening air quality.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, Punjab’s Senior Minister, indicated during recent press conferences the urgency of the situation, stating, “Smog is currently a national disaster.” She confirmed all medical staff are to report as usual, as leave has been canceled amid the surging number of patients. The minister stated her grim observations of rising respiratory ailments, conjunctivitis, and other health concerns attributable to the thick smog.
To curb pollution, the provincial government has mandated online classes for academic institutions, imposed bans on construction activities, heavily polluting vehicles, and recommended restaurants cease dine-in services past 4 PM. Public parks, zoos, and historical sites have also been shut down across 18 districts for the next ten days as health risks continue to escalate.
Monitoring agencies inform alarming data on air quality, with readings from IQAir showing Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached as high as 676—far exceeding the dangerous threshold of 500, which is classified as hazardous. Following this spike, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued alerts to residents, urging them to limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks.
The combination of various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5), vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants, have contributed to the consistent rise of smog across Northern India and Pakistan. Conditions have become so dire, many residents are calling for environmental rectifications. Reports indicate community leaders and citizens have gathered to offer prayers for rain—a traditional practice aimed at invoking divine assistance to alleviate the smog crisis.
“Today, we prayed for rain to decrease smog,” shared Muhammad Ijaz, who led the Salat-e-Istisqa prayers, recognizing the significance of collective repentance suggested by local clerics. He emphasized the necessity for the community to acknowledge their environmental impact and work toward sustainable practices.
Among the measures being undertaken, Punjab’s government has revealed plans for long-term environmental strategies, including the introduction of a comprehensive ten-year smog mitigation policy. Aurangzeb mentioned, “For the first time, Punjab has developed a 10-year climate change policy.” This initiative aims to address underlying contributors to smog, including vehicular emissions and agricultural waste burning, which are rampant issues contributing to the worsening air quality.
Earlier this month, provincial authorities arranged for trials involving cloud seeding technology, employed to induce precipitation and reduce air pollutants. Local Meteorological Departments reported positive outcomes from initial tests conducted across various districts, expecting additional rainfall as part of the strategy to combat the smog.
Health experts are now sounding alarms about the public health impacts of extended exposure to polluted air. Short-term exposure to high levels of air pollution can exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases, lead to cardiovascular issues, and, as statistics laboriously reveal, have dire effects on children. UNICEF has highlighted the specific vulnerabilities faced by children, signaling disproportionate impacts on their developmental health due to air pollution issues, already exacerbated by disastrous smog conditions.
Despite the dire situation, the government has assured citizens of their commitment to addressing what is now identified as not just a temporary emergency but potentially the onset of long-term environmental challenges. Local authorities stress the urgency of consistent public compliance with health advisories and policies, ensuring the community engages properly through mutual responsibility initiatives.
The spate of negative environmental effects and rigorous health crises could shed light on broader systemic issues, demanding immediate comprehensive strategies from provincial leadership. Continuous tracking and updating of air quality measurements will be integral moving forward, as Punjab works to find solutions amid devastating smog conditions and aspirations for healthier atmospheric conditions.
