Lahore, the heart of Punjab, finds itself engulfed in a toxic haze as smog and fog continue to wreak havoc across the region, extending into the densely populated districts of central Punjab. This environmental emergency has led to a troubling rise in respiratory and ENT diseases, underscoring the severe health impact on local communities. The Punjab government has called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage India in discussions, as much of the smog’s origin lies in eastern Punjab, where crop burning is rampant. With east-to-west winds carrying smoke and pollutants across the border, Lahore has borne the brunt of this airborne crisis, with the pollution also encroaching upon both central and southern Punjab.
According to NASA’s tracking, winds from India propelled Lahore to the top of the global Air Quality Index on Sunday, a dubious distinction underscoring the severity of the issue. Across the border, too, this crisis is far-reaching, as smog blankets regions from eastern Punjab to West Bengal, with Delhi and Kolkata ranking second and third globally for air pollution. Vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, are at heightened risk, leading the Punjab government to recommend that they stay indoors and order the temporary closure of primary schools, which could be extended if the situation persists.
The crisis affects not only human health but also animals and infrastructure, particularly the power grid. In response, the provincial government has implemented a series of measures, including a “Green Lockdown” with short- and medium-term interventions. Penalties and arrests are in place for those violating preventive measures, while farmers have been urged to avoid crop burning. Citizens are advised to limit outdoor activities, and employers are encouraged to facilitate remote work wherever possible. Mask-wearing is now mandatory, and the government has also acquired cloud-seeding technology to induce artificial rain if necessary.
Environmental agencies are operating on a war footing, with a command center established to monitor and manage the crisis. At a recent press conference, Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb outlined the dangers posed by smog and fog, warning of the significant health risks to the public. She emphasized that the smog’s impact is not confined to Lahore and central Punjab; it can drift to other regions, carried by uncontrollable winds. Eastern Punjab in India, including cities like Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Bathinda, Karnal, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Atari, are also heavily affected, with winds bringing this toxic haze across to Lahore and surrounding areas. Addressing this issue effectively is impossible without cooperation from India, making it imperative for Pakistan to seek collaborative measures to tackle the pollution crisis.
This smog isn’t just a local hazard; it has led to road traffic disruptions and a spate of accidents. Climate change’s impact has become a global challenge, with nations striving to mitigate its effects. But for developing countries, the crisis is particularly acute. According to a recent survey, Pakistan could face staggering natural resource losses due to climate-related issues by 2070—a grim prospect that qualifies as a national tragedy in the making. Diplomatic efforts with India are essential if Pakistan is to find a way out of this crisis. Without a coordinated response between neighboring countries, these environmental hazards will only intensify, further complicating the already challenging reality of climate change. It’s time to move beyond political impasses and commit to the health and well-being of our shared environment.
