ISLAMABAD – Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous region, is grappling with toxic air quality, and authorities have implemented stringent measures to combat the extreme weather conditions, including a proposed wedding ban.
Local media reports indicate that provincial authorities are considering a three-month ban on weddings, aimed at reducing pollution levels during the peak smog months of November, December, and January. The proposal suggests limiting weddings to the month of October, thereby curbing activities that contribute to the worsening air quality.
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The city of Lahore, home to approximately 15 million people, has recently been ranked as the most polluted city in the world. The hazardous air quality is raising serious health concerns, especially for vulnerable populations like children. UNICEF has warned that over 11 million children under the age of five are at risk due to exposure to toxic air.
The wedding ban, alongside other measures such as the closure of schools, reduction of office staff, and a ban on heavy vehicles entering Lahore, are part of a broader strategy by the provincial government to address the ongoing smog crisis.
The primary causes of this severe pollution are crop burning, vehicle emissions, and the operation of coal-powered plants, all of which contribute significantly to the smog that has enveloped the region.
