Lahore, once renowned as the “City of Gardens,” now holds the grim title of the world’s most polluted city, according to a report by Dawn.
On Tuesday, the air quality in areas such as DHA Phase-5 and the vicinity of the US Consulate reached catastrophic AQI levels of 459 and 433, respectively, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
Despite government assurances of action, the hazardous air continues to suffocate residents, leading to an influx of respiratory illness cases in hospitals.
The smog crisis, driven by unchecked industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop residue burning, has exposed Pakistan’s ineffective environmental policies, as reported by Dawn. While the Punjab government has taken measures such as cancelling route permits for faulty vehicles and sealing six brick kilns and three industrial units, these efforts have proven inadequate to address the systemic causes of pollution.
Must Read: Pakistan: Lahore Becomes The Most Polluted City In The World
The Meteorological Department has ruled out immediate rainfall, leaving residents to endure toxic air under stagnant weather conditions. Low wind speeds of 6 km/h, combined with 81% humidity, have further exacerbated the smog, according to Dawn.
Although Punjab authorities have restricted heavy vehicles and initiated road sprinkling campaigns, critics argue these are merely piecemeal solutions to a massive issue. Dawn highlighted that while over 1,000 vehicles were inspected and 144 with faulty engines were impounded, such measures barely scratch the surface of the larger problem of unchecked pollution and lax enforcement of environmental regulations.
Senior Minister Marrium Aurangzeb’s statement that smog elimination will take “eight to ten years” has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of urgency. While her call for public cooperation is important, it shifts focus away from the administration’s failure to deliver immediate, effective solutions.
The ongoing smog crisis in Lahore highlights a broader pattern of neglect and poor governance in Pakistan. As the city grapples with one of its worst environmental disasters, Dawn warns that without swift, science-driven interventions, Lahore risks becoming a permanent casualty of policy paralysis and administrative failure.
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