Pakistan: Lahore’s air quality crisis worsens despite policy shift, AQI surpasses 1,000 for the first time ever

Lahore, one of Pakistan’s most vibrant cities, has long battled air pollution, but recent measurements reveal an alarming escalation. 

Despite a policy shift announced by the Pakistani government in July this year aimed at addressing pollution, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached unprecedented levels, surpassing 1,000 on November 3 (Sunday), according to a report by the country’s leading English daily the Dawn. 

This figure, which places Lahore’s air in the hazardous category, marks the worst air quality ever recorded in the city’s history, the Dawn reported. 

With these dangerous levels of pollution, the health and daily lives of Lahore’s citizens are increasingly at risk, raising critical questions about the effectiveness of government policies and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Earlier in July 2024, the Pakistani government introduced a new set of environmental policies specifically aimed at combating urban air pollution. 

The initiative came as part of Pakistan’s larger commitment to improve air quality and reduce pollution-related health risks, particularly in heavily affected urban centers like Lahore. 

Key measures included stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industries, incentives for cleaner energy adoption, and increased restrictions on agricultural burning in Punjab, which has long been a significant contributor to Lahore’s air pollution.

The government also committed to ramping up air quality monitoring and data transparency, hoping to keep citizens better informed and responsive to pollution-related health risks. 

These measures were well-received by environmental advocates and the public, who hoped for meaningful improvements in Lahore’s air quality. 

However, just a few months later, Lahore’s AQI readings have reached record-breaking levels, far from the anticipated relief.

An AQI of over 1,000 places air quality in the “hazardous” category—where exposure, even for a few hours, can result in severe health effects for the general population, not just sensitive groups. 

In comparison, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers an AQI of 100 to indicate air quality that poses some health risks. 

The average AQI reading for November 2024 in Lahore exceeds 1,000, reflecting concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that are well above safe limits.

At these levels, the air is thick with pollutants, obscuring visibility and making outdoor activities unsafe. 

PM2.5, the tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, are largely responsible for this hazardous air quality. 

Studies have linked high PM2.5 exposure to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even premature death. 

For Lahore’s population, breathing this air can cause immediate symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, headaches, and fatigue. 

Long-term exposure exacerbates these effects, posing serious health risks for the city’s residents.

Several factors contribute to Lahore’s deteriorating air quality, and despite the government’s policy efforts, these underlying causes remain formidable challenges.

Agricultural burning: Every year, during the post-harvest season, farmers in Punjab burn crop residue to prepare their fields for the next planting. 

While the government introduced regulations limiting crop burning, enforcement has proven difficult. 

This year, satellite images show large-scale burning across the province, releasing massive amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the air. 

This smoke is blown into Lahore, worsening the city’s already poor air quality.

Industrial emissions: Lahore is surrounded by factories and brick kilns, many of which continue to operate with outdated equipment and lax emissions standards. 

The July policy shift introduced stricter emissions rules, but implementing these standards requires time and resources. 

In the meantime, factories continue to release pollutants, contributing significantly to Lahore’s toxic air.

Vehicle emissions: Lahore’s high population density and reliance on personal vehicles make traffic emissions a significant pollution source. 

Older, inefficient vehicles release high levels of pollutants, especially during peak traffic hours. 

Although the government has encouraged the adoption of electric vehicles and enforced stricter emissions tests, these measures have not been implemented widely enough to create an immediate impact.

Weather conditions: Seasonal changes exacerbate Lahore’s pollution. 

In winter, cooler temperatures create an inversion layer, trapping pollutants close to the ground. 

This meteorological effect prevents polluted air from dispersing, resulting in the thick smog that currently blankets the city. 

Combined with an already high pollution load, these conditions make November one of the most hazardous months for air quality in Lahore.

The deteriorating air quality has taken a toll on Lahore’s public health. 

Hospitals are reporting an increase in respiratory illnesses, including asthma attacks, bronchitis, and even heart attacks. 

Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, are particularly at risk. 

Schools have been forced to close temporarily to protect students, while health advisories warn residents to limit outdoor activities and use protective masks.

The long-term health effects are even more alarming. 

Prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 has been linked to chronic respiratory conditions, weakened immune systems, and an increased risk of cancer. 

Lahore’s population faces a future where pollution-related diseases become more prevalent, increasing healthcare costs and reducing life expectancy. 

The city’s pollution levels are also likely to affect productivity and quality of life, adding further economic burdens to an already strained healthcare system.

In response to the rising AQI levels, the government has announced emergency measures, including the temporary closure of industrial plants and restrictions on vehicular movement. 

However, these reactive measures offer only short-term relief and do not address the root causes of the crisis. 

Environmental activists and citizens alike are calling for stricter and more sustained enforcement of anti-pollution regulations.

The government’s July policy shift showed promise, but the implementation has been inconsistent, with limited coordination between provincial and federal authorities. 

Environmental agencies in Pakistan are often underfunded, lacking the resources and personnel needed to enforce regulations effectively. 

Corruption and lack of accountability within regulatory bodies further complicate efforts to curb pollution. 

Despite the government’s public commitments, the lack of substantial investment and robust infrastructure has hindered the policies’ impact.

However, despite the government’s policy shift, Lahore’s air quality has reached crisis levels, demanding immediate and sustained intervention. 

While short-term measures may offer temporary relief, Lahore’s citizens need lasting, structural changes to ensure cleaner air. 

Without comprehensive enforcement, adequate resources, and greater investment in sustainable practices, Lahore’s air quality will likely continue to deteriorate, posing a severe risk to public health and quality of life, according to environment experts.   Addressing this crisis must be a top priority, requiring collaboration among government bodies, industries, and citizens to create a healthier future for Lahore, they opined.