Pakistan’s air quality authorities emphasize that Lahore’s smog crisis stems from a combination of local and regional factors. High AQI readings, considered hazardous at levels beyond 300, are currently attributed to industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and seasonal crop burning on both sides of the border. Punjab’s environmental department has implemented the Anti-Smog Action Plan, aimed at combating emissions, yet persistent pollution from neighboring Indian states adds complexity to the efforts. Pakistani officials, including caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, have voiced concern over the detrimental health impacts on Pakistan’s urban populations and have urged India to address pollution at the source.
Reports from health agencies indicate that the deteriorating air quality has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses among Lahore’s population. Symptoms like coughing, eye irritation, and throat discomfort have become increasingly common, particularly affecting vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. According to local hospitals, emergency visits for respiratory complications have spiked, straining healthcare services.
Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb outlined that Lahore’s air quality remains in the “unhealthy” to “hazardous” range for nearly three-quarters of the year, warning that it could take up to a decade to reduce smog levels significantly. She stated that while 30% of the city’s smog may originate from cross-border pollution, 70% is locally generated. Aurangzeb highlighted the role of industrial and vehicular emissions within Pakistan, calling for intensified monitoring and strict enforcement on polluting entities. A zero-tolerance approach has led to the closure of dozens of smoke-emitting industrial units and vehicles without proper certifications, part of ongoing inspections conducted by Punjab’s Environmental Protection Department.
The Pakistani government has mobilized specialized anti-smog units across the Punjab region, focusing on pollution hotspots within Lahore. These teams are tasked with monitoring industrial facilities, inspecting vehicular emissions, and penalizing those violating environmental regulations. In recent weeks, over 150 factories have faced closures, and hundreds of fines have been issued to industries and vehicles failing to meet the emission standards.
Efforts to mitigate pollution extend to agricultural practices. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt sustainable methods for crop residue disposal, which traditionally contributes to seasonal smog through burning. The Punjab government has offered resources to promote mechanical disposal methods, aiming to curb field burning practices that exacerbate air quality issues. In this context, Pakistan has sought Indian cooperation to address cross-border burning, proposing joint strategies to limit transboundary emissions.