As smog continues to cover Lahore, a three-year-old girl is stepping up because officials haven’t done enough to combat the city’s air pollution. Amal Sukhera went to the Lahore High Court on Thursday to complain about the serious air quality issues.
With the help of Barrister Ali Zafar, the girl filed a petition in court. Justice Jawad Hasan from the Lahore High Court responded by asking the environment secretary and others to explain what they are doing about the smog problem.
In her petition, Amal expressed concern for her friends, classmates, and future generations. She highlighted that air pollution is seriously harming children and older adults.
Lahore has been dealing with dangerous air quality for weeks, with levels often reaching unhealthy levels over 800. On Thursday morning, the Air Quality Index showed levels over 800, making Lahore one of the most polluted cities in the world. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that winds bringing pollution from nearby India are a big part of the problem.
This ongoing pollution has caused a rise in hospital visits for breathing problems, affecting not just Lahore but also nearby cities like Multan and Kasur. The poor air quality has made it tough for people to breathe, putting them at risk for respiratory issues.
Doctors are advising Lahore residents to wear masks when going outside. In response to the situation, the government has closed schools until November 17 and requires everyone to wear masks in public places. Furthermore, government offices are encouraged to have staff work from home, and meetings are to be held online until further notice.
