Smog Chokes Lahore as Air Pollution Reaches Hazardous Levels | Alarming Situation

In recent years, Lahore has frequently ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, with severe air pollution, particularly during the winter months, putting the city in a choking grip of smog. As cold weather sets in, Lahore’s skies fill with thick smog, reducing visibility, hindering daily life, and posing severe health risks. The causes of this air pollution in Lahore stem from a combination of industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, crop burning, and construction dust.
The city of Lahore has seen record levels of smog in recent years, consistently placing it among the most polluted cities globally. The air quality index (AQI) often ranks Lahore’s air as “hazardous,” with AQI levels regularly exceeding 300, which is dangerously above the safe limit of 50 set by the World Health Organization. In 2024, Lahore was repeatedly labeled the world’s most polluted city, surpassing even other heavily polluted areas like Delhi. While air pollution affects many parts of Pakistan, Lahore’s dense urban landscape, high population, and extensive industrial activities make it particularly vulnerable.
Smog in Lahore is primarily caused by the unchecked emissions from factories, widespread burning of crops in neighboring areas, and emissions from Lahore's vast number of vehicles, especially diesel-powered ones. As winter begins, the cooler temperatures trap pollutants in a layer close to the ground, making the air particularly dangerous for residents to breathe. This not only affects visibility but also leads to respiratory issues, asthma attacks, and other health problems. Hospitals report a surge in respiratory ailments during smog season, affecting children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions the most.
The ongoing pollution crisis has sparked public outcry for government action. However, while temporary measures like shutting down schools and factories or restricting traffic can reduce pollution levels, long-term solutions are needed to address the root causes. The government of Pakistan has implemented several air quality measures, including restrictions on vehicle emissions and the promotion of green technology, but challenges remain due to enforcement difficulties and high levels of industrial dependence on fossil fuels.
For sustainable change, stricter enforcement of emissions regulations, investment in public transport, and a push toward renewable energy sources will be essential. Until then, Lahore residents continue to live in a hazardous environment, with smog not only affecting their daily lives but also raising serious concerns about long-term health effects.
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