THE smog crisis in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore, has become an annual ordeal, impacting lives, disrupting daily routines and posing severe health risks. The phenomenon of dense, toxic smog enveloping cities is neither new nor exclusive to Pakistan, but its worsening scale and frequency have made it a major public health and environmental concern in the country. The inability to effectively control smog stems from a complex interplay of environmental pollution, policy inadequacies, economic constraints and trans-boundary challenges, specifically with neighbouring India. Environmental pollution, especially air pollution, is a principal driver behind smog formation. Emissions from vehicles, factories and agriculture contribute to high levels of harmful pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, all of which interact under certain meteorological conditions to produce smog. In major cities like Lahore, industrial emissions and vehicular exhaust account for significant air pollution.
The rapid urbanization, coupled with increasing industrial activities without proper environmental safeguards, only worsens this issue. Power plants and factories often operate on substandard fuel, releasing hazardous emissions into the atmosphere unchecked. Moreover, the transport sector in Pakistan predominantly relies on older vehicles with outdated technology, often lacking emission control devices. The widespread use of two-stroke engines in motorcycles and rickshaws further exacerbates air pollution due to incomplete fuel combustion. The agricultural practices, particularly the burning of crop stubble, are another major contributor to smog. Farmers in Punjab, both in Pakistan and India, burn leftover crop residue after harvest, releasing vast amounts of smoke into the atmosphere. Although laws exist to curb this practice, their enforcement remains lax. The government’s failure to provide cost-effective alternatives for crop waste disposal leaves farmers with few options other than burning. The air currents that carry smoke from these fields merge with urban pollution, creating a toxic blanket over cities.
Pakistan’s proximity to India plays a significant role in the worsening of smog levels, especially in Punjab. The state of Punjab in India, bordering Pakistan, practices extensive crop residue burning during certain seasons. The smoke from these fires often drifts across the border, adding to the smog levels in Pakistan. While Pakistan has voiced concerns over this transboundary pollution, efforts for bilateral cooperation on the issue have been limited and often unproductive due to geopolitical tensions. Nevertheless, joint measures between the two countries could significantly alleviate the impact of cross-border pollution, but such collaboration requires sustained diplomatic efforts and mutual commitment to tackle air pollution as a shared crisis. The health implications of smog are alarming. Exposure to smog has been linked to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, lung infections and even heart attacks. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly susceptible. The persistent presence of smog also aggravates symptoms in asthma patients and increases hospital admissions due to respiratory issues. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) found in smog penetrates deep into the lungs, causing long-term health problems that may lead to premature death. Reports from hospitals in Lahore reveal an alarming increase in respiratory issues, eye irritation and throat infections during smog season, underscoring the public health crisis posed by air pollution.
Lahore’s struggle with smog is especially dire due to its geographic and climatic conditions. The city’s high population density, extensive vehicular traffic and industrial activity make it one of the most polluted urban centres in Pakistan. During the winter months, a temperature inversion—a phenomenon where a layer of warmer air traps pollutants near the ground—aggravates smog formation. Unlike other cities that might benefit from winds that disperse pollutants, Lahore’s relatively calm winter weather causes pollutants to stagnate, creating a dense, immobile smog layer that lingers for days or even weeks. The lack of green spaces within and around the city further hinders natural air purification, as vegetation plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Addressing the smog crisis requires a multifaceted approach and strong political will. The government must enforce stricter regulations on industrial emissions and vehicular pollution. Incentives should be introduced to encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles and to phase out older, polluting vehicles. Establishing low-emission zones in heavily trafficked areas could also help reduce pollution levels. Pakistan could take cues from cities like Beijing, which implemented rigorous policies and achieved significant air quality improvements. Lahore, for instance, could benefit from a public transportation overhaul to reduce dependency on private vehicles.
Additionally, crop residue burning must be addressed through agricultural reform and support for farmers. Providing affordable and accessible alternatives to crop burning, such as subsidies for equipment that converts residue into compost or bio-fuel, can alleviate this practice. Encouraging crop rotation and promoting less polluting harvest techniques are also viable long-term solutions. Investment in research to develop cost-effective crop waste management techniques could empower farmers and mitigate a major source of pollution.
The use of air quality monitoring systems and data transparency is also crucial. Real-time data on air pollution can help authorities make timely interventions and raise public awareness about smog-related precautions. Awareness campaigns highlighting the health risks associated with smog and promoting lifestyle adjustments, such as minimizing outdoor activities during high pollution days, can also protect vulnerable groups. The road to a smog-free Pakistan is challenging and demands commitment, but the costs of inaction are too high to ignore. Smog control cannot be achieved overnight, but with a collaborative approach and sustained efforts, Pakistan can take strides towards cleaner air and a healthier.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
