Editorial
In mid-November 2024, Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, experienced its worst air pollution levels in five years, as a thick layer of hazardous smog enveloped the region, significantly impacting public health. On November 14, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city soared to an alarming 1,110, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching a staggering 632 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding safe limits. These high pollution levels prompted authorities to declare a health emergency, close schools, and shift university classes online. Additionally, a construction ban was imposed in an attempt to reduce the environmental impact.
This year’s pollution arrived earlier and was more intense than in previous years, with PM2.5 levels regularly surpassing hazardous thresholds. While Delhi, India, also faced similar pollution issues, Lahore recorded particularly high levels of particulate matter, even surpassing Delhi on several occasions. Experts cited the absence of rainfall in September and October as a major factor exacerbating the situation, as rainfall typically helps clear the air of particulate matter.
The toxic smog, which also affected neighboring regions in India, was visible in satellite images, showing a significant expansion of the pollution across North India and Pakistan. This was driven by shifting wind patterns that carried pollutants across borders, worsening the air quality in both countries.
The health effects were severe, with hospitals reporting a surge in respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Doctors noted that children were particularly susceptible to the smog, leading to higher hospitalization rates. Stubble burning, especially in Punjab, India, and Pakistan, was a significant contributor to the pollution, as farmers burned crop residue to clear fields, releasing massive amounts of smoke into the atmosphere. The government faces growing pressure to tackle the issue and protect the health of its citizens.
