LAHORE: Lahore is once again grappling with a toxic smog crisis, as the city’s air quality reaches alarming levels, pushing hospitals to their limits. Doctors have raised concerns that the smog is no longer just an environmental issue but a full-blown health emergency. Thousands of residents are seeking medical attention for respiratory infections, asthma, and heart-related issues triggered by the heavy pollution.
On November 12, 2025, Lahore was ranked as the second most polluted city globally, with the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) averaging 262 micrograms per cubic meter — more than 17 times higher than what the World Health Organization deems safe. The city’s air quality index (AQI) reached 318, with some areas reporting levels as high as 647 to 855. Experts warn that the actual pollution levels could be even higher, as local monitoring systems cannot register values above 500.
Hospitals, especially Lahore’s Mayo Hospital, are overwhelmed with patients, including a significant number of children. “We are seeing a surge in asthma exacerbations and acute respiratory infections,” said Dr. Fareed Ahmad, a senior pulmonologist at the hospital. “People need to take extra precautions, including wearing masks, staying indoors, and staying hydrated,” he added.
Children have been hit hardest by the toxic air. Dr. Saleem Us Zaman, head of pulmonology at another Lahore hospital, pointed out that even healthy children are coming in with severe symptoms like coughing and wheezing. “Smog is no longer just an environmental issue; it’s a medical crisis,” he stated.
While those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or heart disease are at a higher risk, doctors warn that everyone, regardless of age or health status, should limit outdoor exposure. “The air quality is bad enough to affect even the healthiest individuals,” said Dr. Hajra Khan from the Indus Hospital in Lahore.
In addition to the immediate health risks, economists predict that the smog will result in significant economic losses. These include decreased worker productivity, mounting healthcare costs, and lost school days for children. Experts have attributed the recurring smog crisis to a combination of factors, including unchecked vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and crop burning in nearby rural areas. The stagnant winter air traps pollutants near the ground, worsening the situation.
Despite government efforts, such as fines for polluting vehicles and the closure of schools during high pollution periods, experts argue that these measures are insufficient. Dr. Ghulam Fareed, a child specialist, emphasized that only sustained enforcement of environmental regulations, cleaner transportation, and stricter emission controls could prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
The Punjab Environment Protection Department (PEPD) claims that ongoing initiatives, like the Plastic-Free Punjab program and actions against smoke-emitting vehicles, have led to some improvement, but the overall air quality remains dire. Environmental experts, however, believe that these reactive measures are inadequate to address the root causes of the pollution crisis. The public continues to suffer, and the smog seems to be worsening with each passing year.
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