Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, is experiencing unprecedented air pollution levels, forcing authorities to implement emergency measures to protect its 14 million residents. The city topped global pollution rankings twice on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching an alarming 1,067 the previous day.
Pakistan’s Lahore hits highest air pollution
In response to the crisis, authorities have announced a “green lockdown,” closing schools for a week starting Monday and mandating 50% work-from-home arrangements for both government and private sector employees.
Additional restrictions include bans on two-stroke engine tuk-tuks, open-fire cooking by food vendors, and construction activities.
Pakistan needs a bilateral solution from India
Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the need for bilateral cooperation with India. “This cannot be solved without talks with India,” she stated during a Sunday press conference, announcing plans to initiate dialogue through Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
She also advised Lahore residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors with windows closed.
The crisis has prompted cross-border discussions, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz calling for unified efforts with India against what she termed “the common enemy” of both nations. “This is not a political but a humanitarian issue,” she declared.
Is India responsible for an increase in pollution in Pakistan?
Provincial official Raja Jehangir Anwar identified stubble burning in India as “the biggest headache,” suggesting that strong winds carry pollutants across the border.
Research from the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute underscores the severity of the situation. It indicates that exposure to pollution levels exceeding WHO guidelines reduces Lahore residents’ life expectancy by approximately 7.5 years.
Here’s what UNICEF reports say:
UNICEF reports paint an even grimmer regional picture, noting that nearly 600 million children across South Asia face high air pollution exposure, with half of childhood pneumonia deaths linked to air quality issues.
Authorities have already implemented long-term preventive measures, including restrictions on outdoor exercise for schoolchildren until January 2025 and adjusted school hours to minimize exposure during peak pollution periods. A decision on school reopening will be made following a pollution assessment on November 9.
