In an unprecedented effort to counteract record-breaking air pollution levels, authorities in Lahore and Islamabad have enacted sweeping restrictions to protect public health.
The hazardous smog blanketing these Pakistani cities has become a major public safety issue, prompting officials to intensify measures aimed at reducing pollution sources and minimizing exposure to toxic air.
As the crisis escalates, Lahore has implemented a one-week ban on outdoor activities, hoping to provide some respite to residents and curb pollution levels.
Outdoor Activity Ban to Curb Health Risks
Lahore’s deputy commissioner recently announced that all outdoor activities in the city, including sports events, exhibitions, and open-air dining, would be suspended from November 11 to 17. This decision follows alarming air quality index (AQI) readings, which have positioned Lahore as one of the most polluted cities worldwide.
While this ban affects most recreational and public gatherings, authorities have made certain exemptions for essential services like medical facilities, pharmacies, and grocery stores.
The ban on outdoor activities aligns with Lahore’s broader policy of early evening closures, with non-essential commercial spaces required to close by 8 pm. However, medical stores, laboratories, petrol stations, and other critical services are permitted to stay open.
Read : Pakistan Blames India for Rising Air Pollution in Country as Lahore’s AQI Hits 1900
Large department stores, too, have been restricted to keeping only their grocery and medical sections operational. These regulations are aimed not only at reducing the number of people exposed to harmful pollutants but also at lessening urban traffic, which is a significant contributor to the city’s air pollution.
Record high pollution level in Lahore, AQI breaches 1900 mark at some areas. Authorities shut down primary school for a week. @trptitripaathi @tapasjournalist #LahoreSmog #AirQuality pic.twitter.com/dRDZZTwQq5
— DD India (@DDIndialive) November 3, 2024
Efforts to manage air quality in Lahore extend beyond curbing public activities; authorities are also seeking to control pollution sources by cracking down on industrial emissions and monitoring construction practices. Despite these measures, the city’s pollution levels remain alarmingly high, underscoring the need for long-term solutions to address environmental hazards.
Islamabad Takes Action Against Emissions
In response to rising air pollution, Islamabad has followed Lahore’s lead by implementing strict measures targeting pollution sources. The capital city’s authorities have ordered the temporary closure of brick kilns and factories emitting large amounts of smoke.
Islamabad’s deputy commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, collaborated with key departments, including the Islamabad Transport Authority and Excise Department, to enforce stringent measures aimed at curtailing emissions.
As part of Islamabad’s action plan, smoke-emitting vehicles have been banned from the city’s roads, and inspections are being carried out to enforce this ban. Additionally, open burning of waste, leaves, and other materials has been prohibited to further reduce pollution levels.
Authorities hope that these restrictions, paired with regular inspections, will yield noticeable improvements in air quality. The Islamabad Transport Authority is working closely with local agencies to ensure that these bans are upheld and that public compliance remains high.
While these measures represent necessary immediate actions, long-term strategies for air quality improvement remain a challenge. Environmental experts suggest that urban planning and policies targeting sustainable energy and green spaces are critical to Pakistan’s battle against air pollution.
Both Lahore and Islamabad are grappling with the long-term impact of industrial development, vehicle emissions, and deforestation, which have exacerbated pollution levels.
Factors Driving High Pollution Levels in Pakistan
According to the Green Master Plan, several factors contribute to the severe pollution crisis facing cities like Lahore. A major factor is rapid urbanization, which has turned large portions of the city into dense concrete zones, reducing green spaces and creating urban heat islands.
These heat islands exacerbate smog levels, making air quality management even more difficult. Lahore’s industrial zones, which cover about 33 square kilometers, are often located near residential areas, leading to high levels of pollution in nearby neighborhoods.
Experts warn that without relocating these industries to designated zones, Lahore could face irreparable environmental damage within the next decade.
Moreover, air pollution in Lahore is compounded by poor-quality vehicle fuel, continuous construction, and inadequate waste management practices. These domestic sources of pollution have combined with external factors to worsen the city’s air quality.
This year, Pakistan has experienced a substantial influx of polluted air from northern India, which is dealing with its own air quality crisis.
During winter, cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, worsening smog levels in many South Asian cities. Combined with vehicle emissions, construction dust, and crop residue burning, this phenomenon has resulted in one of the worst smog seasons on record for the region.
The impact of air pollution extends beyond Pakistan’s borders, affecting neighboring regions and contributing to South Asia’s reputation as one of the most polluted areas in the world.
On the same day Lahore recorded an AQI of 1,165, New Delhi in India recorded the world’s second-highest AQI, underscoring the transboundary nature of pollution in South Asia.
Experts argue that regional cooperation will be crucial in addressing shared pollution sources and developing effective solutions for cleaner air.
A Regional Challenge: The Path to Cleaner Air
The severe smog crisis affecting Lahore and Islamabad highlights the urgent need for environmental reforms at the national and regional levels. While immediate restrictions, such as banning outdoor activities and closing high-emission industries, offer short-term relief, Pakistan requires comprehensive, long-term strategies to combat pollution.
Effective solutions would involve a combination of regulatory action, sustainable urban planning, and public awareness campaigns focused on reducing pollution sources.
One of the critical steps Pakistan can take involves improving fuel standards and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Encouraging industries to adopt green technologies and enforcing stricter emission controls on factories and vehicles are essential measures in curbing pollution.
Additionally, expanding urban green spaces could play a key role in reducing the heat island effect and absorbing carbon emissions. Promoting afforestation and urban gardening projects would help mitigate some of the harmful effects of industrialization and urban expansion.
At the regional level, collaborative efforts among South Asian nations could help address transboundary pollution challenges. Developing shared policies for managing emissions, curbing crop burning, and promoting clean energy alternatives may offer a path toward cleaner air for the entire region. Increased cross-border dialogue and joint research initiatives could foster innovative solutions to improve air quality across South Asia.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏