Pakistan’s Punjab declares health emergency as AQI touches 1600 in Lahore

As a result, the government in Punjab province declared smog a “health crisis” as millions reported breathing problems and other respiratory issues during the last month, senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said adding that the authorities have also imposed a “health emergency” in Lahore and Multan districts to combat dense smog blanketing the province of about 130 million population for the last few weeks, she said while addressing a press conference.

“Smog is currently a national disaster,” stated Aurangzeb. “This is not an issue that can be resolved in a month or a year. We will reassess the situation after three days and announce further measures.”

“Many people suffering from respiratory problems don’t visit hospitals to seek doctors’ advice and instead self-medicate at home or visit informal dispensaries,” she said.

People visit a vegetable market as smog envelopes the area of Lahore, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

“At the moment, the smog crisis has turned into a health crisis. Various factors contributing to smog include transport, agriculture, energy, our habits, behaviour, and actions towards nature,” she said, adding that the Punjab government had made a 10-year smog mitigation plan to address the issue.

Aurangzeb also unveiled the government’s anti-smog action plan, highlighting that Lahore experienced 275 days of unhealthy air quality index (AQI) levels over the past year, accompanied by a 2.3-degree rise in temperatures.

Medical staff are on high alert with time off cancelled, while all educational institutions remain closed until further notice. Restaurants are shutting at 4 p.m., though takeaway services will continue until 8 p.m.

Punjab’s Secretary for Environment, Raja Jahangir Anwar, cautioned that the closures might persist if air quality does not improve. “Young children are particularly vulnerable, and we aim to prevent an emergency,” he stated, suggesting that online learning, similar to measures taken during the COVID pandemic, could be reintroduced.

Lahore’s hazardous air quality

Data from the Swiss monitoring organisation IQAir revealed that the CERP Office area in Lahore recorded a ‘hazardous’ AQI of 1,587 on Friday morning. Additionally, three other areas—Syed Maratib Ali Road, Pakistan Engineering Services offices, and VTS—also saw AQI levels exceeding 1,000 on the same day.

Despite government measures to address pollution, Lahore’s air quality continues to worsen. In response, local authorities have implemented emergency measures, including the closure of schools, parks, and museums until the end of the week. Mask mandates have been enforced, and workplaces instructed to reduce operations. Moreover, a three-month ban on weddings and revised transportation guidelines to reduce emissions.

Currently, Lahore and Multan are ranked as the most polluted cities in the world. Health facilities are overwhelmed, with over 70,000 individuals seeking treatment for smog-related illnesses daily.

The worsening air quality is primarily attributed to vehicle emissions, industrial and construction activities, and the widespread practice of crop burning during the winter wheat planting season.