Lahore's Smog Crisis: A Growing Health Emergency

Tue Jul 01 2025 00:52:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Lahore's Smog Crisis: A Growing Health Emergency

Lahore grapples with unprecedented levels of smog as air quality plummets, calling into question government responses and cross-border pollution challenges.


Lahore is currently experiencing a severe air pollution crisis, with the air quality index consistently exceeding hazardous levels. Schools are closed, and health officials anticipate a surge in respiratory illnesses, prompting a debate over the effectiveness of emergency measures in addressing the long-term issue of air quality and pollution originating both locally and from across the border in India.



As Lahore sinks deeper into a smog crisis, the city’s 13 million inhabitants are facing a public health emergency characterized by hazardous air quality levels. Reports indicate the city has been enveloped in a thick haze for a week, with air quality index figures reaching as high as 1,917, significantly surpassing the emergency threshold of 300.

The smog, which typically intensifies between November and December, has prompted a series of emergency responses from Pakistani officials. Schools have been closed, workers advised to stay home, and a “green lockdown” has been initiated, limiting the use of certain vehicles in high-risk areas. The Lahore High Court has mandated early market closures to alleviate the pollution crisis, with parks and zoos also closed until mid-November.

Satellite images from NASA have illustrated the alarming situation, revealing not only the dense layer of smog but also numerous fires raging throughout the region, inflicted largely by crop burning practices in India and Pakistan. Pakistani authorities attribute roughly 30% of Lahore's pollution to stubble burning across the border. Despite increased fines imposed by the Indian government on farmers engaging in this practice, the situation remains dire, with estimates suggesting a record high number of fires this year.

Local officials have identified heavy traffic emissions, particularly from Lahore’s five million motorbikes and various other vehicles, as significant contributors to the smog. Additionally, industrial activity from coal-fired brick kilns situated on the outskirts of the city continues to exacerbate the air contamination.

Healthcare facilities are bracing for an influx of patients exhibiting respiratory ailments, including children and the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable to the hazardous conditions. Medical professionals report worrying trends in asthma and cough-related complaints, reflecting a broader public concern about the effects of the toxic atmosphere. Local activism voices discontent with temporary measures, suggesting the government prioritizes short-term solutions over sustainable strategies to combat air pollution.

Amidst this crisis, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is advocating for collaboration on climate issues with the Indian Punjab leadership, though significant diplomatic engagement remains unconfirmed. Environmental experts warn that pollution levels are rising significantly, with October showing a 25% increase compared to the previous year, creating a sense of urgency for both the Pakistani and Indian governments to adopt comprehensive measures to ensure public health and environmental safety.

As citizens of Lahore grapple with the deteriorating air quality, the focal point remains on whether governmental actions will evolve from reactive measures to proactive solutions aimed at achieving sustainable air quality for the residents of the city.

MORE ON THEME

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 01:01:57 GMT

**Climate Change Drives Tuvaluans to Apply for Australian Visas**

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 01:01:57 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:59:25 GMT

Legal Ramifications from SpaceX Debris Leads to Environmental Controversy in Mexico

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:59:25 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:09:28 GMT

Republicans Propose to Eliminate Fuel Efficiency Rules in New Legislation**

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:09:28 GMT
Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:50:56 GMT

Thousands of Britons Stranded in Israel Amid Escalating Conflict with Iran

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:50:56 GMT
Sat, 14 Jun 2025 02:00:06 GMT

France and Austria Reeling from School Violences: A Struggle for Understanding

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 02:00:06 GMT
Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:23:44 GMT

Rising Death Toll Amidst Struggle for Humanitarian Aid in Gaza

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:23:44 GMT
Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:02:25 GMT

Protests Erupt in Los Angeles: Experts Draw Parallels to Global Unrest

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:02:25 GMT
Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:20:17 GMT

The Complicated Ties Between Trump and Musk: A Deepening Rift**

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:20:17 GMT
Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:23:34 GMT

Evaluating Cooking Oils: A Guide to Sustainable Choices for the Environment

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:23:34 GMT
Sat, 31 May 2025 18:31:41 GMT

# Canadian Wildfires Cause Mass Evacuations and Air Quality Concerns in the U.S.

Sat, 31 May 2025 18:31:41 GMT
Sat, 31 May 2025 01:53:22 GMT

Nigeria Faces Devastating Floods: At Least 110 Lives Lost Amidst Heavy Rains

Sat, 31 May 2025 01:53:22 GMT
Fri, 30 May 2025 19:21:38 GMT

Smoke from Canadian Wildfires Blankets U.S. Upper Midwest, Prompting Health Advisories

Fri, 30 May 2025 19:21:38 GMT
Fri, 30 May 2025 16:29:01 GMT

Energy Department Cuts $3.7 Billion Emission Reduction Awards Amid Controversy

Fri, 30 May 2025 16:29:01 GMT
Thu, 29 May 2025 11:34:42 GMT

**Rising Threat of Rat-Borne Diseases Sparks Urgent Response in Sarajevo**

Thu, 29 May 2025 11:34:42 GMT
Thu, 29 May 2025 10:26:32 GMT

Investigation Launched into Disappearance of Indian Nationals in Iran

Thu, 29 May 2025 10:26:32 GMT
Sun, 25 May 2025 00:05:56 GMT

The Unseen Impact of a Stolen Bike: A Journalist’s Loss in the Netherlands

Sun, 25 May 2025 00:05:56 GMT
Wed, 21 May 2025 17:39:43 GMT

**Gaza Healthcare System Faces Collapse Amid Escalating Israeli Military Operations, WHO Warns**

Wed, 21 May 2025 17:39:43 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 11:16:56 GMT

All Public Hospitals in Northern Gaza Cease Operations Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sun, 18 May 2025 11:16:56 GMT
Sat, 17 May 2025 09:29:19 GMT

Allegations Against India: Rohingya Refugees Reported as Targets of Inhumane Deportation

Sat, 17 May 2025 09:29:19 GMT
Thu, 15 May 2025 19:26:21 GMT

Canada’s Wildfire Season Begins with Tragic Loss of Life

Thu, 15 May 2025 19:26:21 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.