Lahore is facing a growing air pollution crisis as the city heads into the winter smog season, with air quality deteriorating rapidly. According to global air quality monitors, Lahore has now become one of the world’s 15 most polluted cities. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to rise significantly, moving from 92 on Thursday to over 150 by the weekend and into next week, reaching levels considered “unhealthy.”
Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting public health, stating, “All departments are mobilized, and violators will face strict action. Lahore must not be allowed to become a gas chamber this winter.”
Health experts have already raised alarms about the worsening air quality, highlighting the risks posed to children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The arrival of the peak smog season in the coming weeks is expected to exacerbate the situation, with the air becoming increasingly harmful to breathe.
Punjab’s government has launched an emergency action plan to combat the pollution, deploying 43 anti-smog squads to enforce restrictions on smoke-emitting vehicles, construction dust, and crop residue burning. A digital dashboard will monitor enforcement in real-time, while schools are tasked with raising awareness about smog risks. Additionally, the Lahore Waste Management Company has been instructed to speed up waste disposal and ban garbage burning.
A major health concern in the smog is PM2.5, fine particulate matter that is smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These particles remain suspended in the air longer, are easily inhaled deep into the lungs, and can even enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to premature deaths from heart and lung disease, while short-term exposure can worsen asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues.
With the smog season intensifying, authorities are urging residents to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, and support efforts to reduce air pollution. The risks to public health remain high, especially for the most vulnerable populations.
