PTBP Web Desk

Lahore, Pakistan, is grappling with one of its most severe environmental crises: a thick, suffocating layer of smog that has enveloped the city.

The air quality has reached unprecedented levels this year, with reports indicating the Air Quality Index (AQI) has exceeded 1000 multiple times over the past week. To put this into perspective, an AQI level above 300 is already deemed hazardous, but Lahore’s air quality has significantly surpassed that, making it not just uncomfortable but dangerous for anyone breathing it in.

The city’s residents are facing a growing health crisis as smog has become an annual plight, especially as winter approaches. For most people, the air quality is a major inconvenience, but for those living with pre-existing lung diseases or respiratory conditions, the consequences are even graver. The symptoms of smog exposure are severe, with residents often describing a burning sensation in the throat, shortness of breath, and a general feeling of suffocation. As temperatures drop, the smog’s grip tightens, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.

In light of these extreme conditions, public figures, including celebrities, have been outspoken about the dire need for action. Renowned actress Saba Qamar recently took to Instagram to express her distress over the air quality in Lahore. In her post, Qamar shared a heartfelt plea: “Dear Lahore, I just want to breathe. The smog is thick, suffocating, and I can feel it in every breath. For those of us with asthma, it’s more than just discomfort. It’s a struggle to live each moment. Please, clear skies, come back soon.” Her words reflect the growing concern among Lahoris, especially those with respiratory issues, about the immediate and long-term health risks posed by the persistent pollution.

Saba Qamar is not alone in her advocacy for better air quality. Actress Nadia Jamil also took to her social media platforms to raise awareness and call for urgent action. Jamil’s statement on Instagram has resonated with many: “You can live without food and water for a few days. You can survive without cars, roads, and buildings. We cannot survive for more than a few minutes without breathing. We cannot breathe effectively without clean air.”

Jamil went on to stress the severity of the situation, emphasizing that many people in Lahore do not have access to basic air filters and are being exposed to some of the most toxic air in the world. She appealed to environmentalists, clean energy experts, and those with the resources and knowledge to find solutions to the crisis. “Lahoris are choking. Small children are being exposed to dangerous levels of poison in the air,” she said, underscoring the urgent need for change.

The smog crisis in Lahore has had significant health implications. Prolonged exposure to the polluted air can result in a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases, eye irritation, skin disorders, and even cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently warned that air pollution is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, and Lahore’s residents are now at risk of these very outcomes. Nadia Jamil echoed these concerns in her Instagram post, where she listed various health problems that the public may face, including lung and eye diseases, skin issues, and even genetic mutations.

In response to the escalating situation, local authorities have taken some measures, though these appear to be temporary solutions at best. According to a report from BBC, the government has imposed a “green lockdown” in Lahore, which includes the closure of schools and a curfew on commercial activities. Markets are required to close by 8 PM, and recreational spots have been shut down for a set period. These measures aim to reduce vehicle emissions and other pollutants that contribute to the city’s deteriorating air quality.

However, despite these efforts, Lahoris are bracing for worse conditions as winter sets in. Smog is primarily caused by a combination of factors, but one of the major contributors is the burning of crop residue after harvest. In the months following the agricultural season, farmers often burn the remnants of their crops to prepare the land for new planting. This practice generates vast amounts of smoke that contributes to the city’s already toxic atmosphere. The dense fumes from everyday activities, such as industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust, only add to the accumulation of pollutants, creating a thick layer of smog that settles over the city’s natural ceiling.

As the smog continues to plague Lahore, citizens are left wondering if the current measures are enough to address the root cause of the problem. The long-term solution requires not only stricter regulations on agricultural burning but also better waste management, increased green spaces, and a shift towards cleaner energy sources. There is an urgent need for the government and other stakeholders to invest in technologies that can help clean the air and protect the health of the population.

The ongoing air quality crisis in Lahore serves as a wake-up call for the city and the nation as a whole. The health risks associated with prolonged exposure to toxic air should not be underestimated, and the public outcry from celebrities and citizens alike reflects the growing frustration with the lack of effective solutions. If left unaddressed, Lahore’s smog problem will continue to worsen, with devastating consequences for the health of its residents.