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Both Punjabs need smog diplomacy
Every year in winter, Punjab, especially Lahore, gets covered with the layer of smog. The severe pollution is causing respiratory illnesses among residents, with symptoms such as cough, fever, eye irritation and sore throats becoming widespread.
Last week Marium Aurangzeb called on Lahore residents to declare war on smog and clarified only 30% of the smog in Lahore originates from India, while the remaining 70% is produced locally. Whereas Indian cities also suffer from smog mainly Delhi.
Now the air coming from Indian Punjab is polluted. The polluted air harming both sides of the border, however CM Punjab wants joint strategy with India to curb increasing smog in both Punjabs, she said if both don’t join hands, they cannot fight with smog. She further emphasized smog is a humanitarian problem, not political. According to media reports, Lahore and Delhi are among the most polluted cities in the world.
During cooler months, temperature inversion leads to a significant decline in air quality, causing respiratory problems to spike and hospitalizations to rise as pollutants become trapped close to the ground. It’s high time to join hands for both Punjabs to save the citizens from respiratory issues and rising air pollution can cut life expectancy by more than five years per person in South Asia.
It’s not a time for blame game, it’s time for implementation, India should cooperate with Pakistan and both government should take effective measures in Punjab provinces and create a strong strategy plan to improve air quality which significantly have a positive impact on both sides.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana Sindh
Cry for justice
Baloch nation is one of the bravest nation in the world. People are talented but their talents are considered useless and the Baloch girls who never scare and even the girls have sacrificed themselves for the protection of their nation and territory. But when see other nations girls; they scare to hand up a gun but these Baloch girls sacrifice themselves. Unfortunately, this talented nation is being killed without any crime, and being abducted without any reason. And most of time they get dismissed by polices in front of all the people. Recently, many students are being arrested from different areas of Pakistan.
Although, their families are not awarded that where are they. However, these innocent students have not done anything wrong but nevertheless are being arrested. In addition, they are being arrested and killed by the name of terrorist but the Baloch people are not terrorist. Whatever they do for their rights and wherever they protest, protest for their missing people. So, I urge the government of Pakistan and especially the organizations kindly save this nation otherwise this nation is going to be finished silently.
ALI HASSAN BALOCH
Hub
Hazardous smog
Lahore is facing a grave environmental crisis, with hazardous air quality levels reported as smog blankets the city, reducing visibility to a mere 800 meters. This phenomenon, exacerbated by winds carrying pollution from Indian city Amritsar underscores a persistent challenge that threatens the health and well-being of millions in the region. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached alarming levels, signalling an urgent public health warning. Residents are already experiencing severe respiratory issues, with symptoms including persistent cough, fever, eye irritation, and sore throats becoming alarmingly common.
The causes of this smog crisis are multifaceted. Chief among them is the relentless emission of fumes from vehicles, a direct consequence of urbanization and inadequate public transport systems. The second contributing factor is the reliance on coal-powered energy, which continues to belch harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Burning of crop residue in both Pakistani and Indian Punjab, are a significant contributor to the smog, releasing vast amounts of particulate matter that linger in the air.
As Lahore grapples with this environmental emergency, it is imperative for both governments and citizens to take decisive action. Immediate steps must be taken to curb vehicular emissions through stricter regulations and the promotion of cleaner transportation alternatives.
Transitioning to electric vehicles will also play a crucial role in reducing polluted air. Collaborative efforts between Pakistan and India are essential to address the issue of crop burning, as this trans-boundary pollution necessitates cooperative solutions.
Time is hastily running out, immediate and concrete actions are essential to protect public health and preserve the environment. As Lahore suffocates under a haze of pollution, the responsibility lies with both governments and the populace to forge a path towards cleaner air. The future of our cities depends on our ability to confront these challenges head-on, transforming a crisis into an opportunity for sustainable change.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
