Lahore, along with other parts of Punjab, is currently facing a severe smog crisis, with the toxic haze visible from space in NASA’s satellite imagery. The city is shrouded in a dark, hazardous cloud of smog, with almost no green spaces visible. According to Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, Lahore has topped the global Air Quality Index (AQI), ranking as the most polluted city in the world, surpassing New Delhi and Kinshasa.
Lahore’s air quality has reached alarming levels, classified as “very hazardous,” posing serious health risks. The dense smog has led to widespread health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children. UNICEF has issued warnings about the grave impact on over 11 million children under five, with many being hospitalized due to respiratory and other pollution-related ailments.
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This smog crisis, an annual occurrence in South Asia, has been worsened this year by multiple factors. These include the burning of agricultural stubble, emissions from coal-fired power plants, vehicular traffic, and stagnant weather conditions that trap pollutants in the atmosphere. Local authorities have described the current season as unprecedented in both intensity and impact.
UNICEF’s representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, expressed deep concern for the welfare of children, stating that they are at severe risk due to prolonged exposure to the toxic air. The crisis has led to the closure of schools and public spaces, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to combat air pollution in the region.
