THE thick blanket of smog engulfing Lahore has brought daily life to a virtual halt, forcing school closures. As Punjab grapples with the toxic air quality that has pushed Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) to unprecedented levels, a crucial realization emerges: the air we breathe knows no borders. With winds carrying pollutants from India to Pakistan, particularly from agricultural burning practices in Indian Punjab, the time has come for both sides to confront this environmental crisis together.
This crisis demands urgent action and collaborative cross-border efforts could pave the way. As Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz suggested, establishing a dialogue with the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab could help foster a united front to combat smog and reduce its hazardous effects. The primary focus of these discussions should be on agricultural practices, specifically the widespread burning of post-harvest crop residue, which contributes significantly to air pollution. If both sides were to work towards providing farmers with viable alternatives to crop burning, such as subsidies for machinery that clears fields without fire, it could dramatically reduce the haze blanketing the region each winter. Then both sides could enhance information sharing on air quality data, allowing authorities to predict severe pollution episodes and proactively implement preventive measures. Public health agencies can coordinate efforts to launch awareness drives that encourage citizens to adopt behaviours that reduce pollution such as minimizing outdoor activities on high smog days or using masks when venturing outside.
Lahore’s situation is a stark reminder of the health consequences of unchecked air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smog exposure can lead to severe health conditions, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory infections. Addressing this crisis is essential not only for the people of Punjab but also for the environment at large, as pollution from the region has far-reaching implications. It is time for both Punjabs—across Pakistan and India—to take decisive steps together. A proactive, cross-border approach could serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for millions of people suffering from toxic air.
