Environmentalists sound alarm over poisonous smog in Punjab

Lahore holds the sad record of being the most polluted city in the world. The health of 127 million inhabitants is at risk. Hospitals are overwhelmed with respiratory diseases, with children most at risk. Experts say it is ‘no longer’ just a ‘seasonal’ problem. Drastic and coordinated action is needed, but the government is failing to act.

Lahore (AsiaNews) - The province of Punjab is suffocating due to smog, poisoning its 127 million inhabitants every day. Recently, in several cities, including Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan, a growing number of citizens have sought medical treatment; among those most affected are children, who are more exposed to the risks caused by pollutants in the atmosphere. Hospitals are overwhelmed with patients suffering from respiratory problems, asthma and heart disorders.

Smog is a year-round problem, but it becomes a real emergency in the winter season, particularly in the province of Punjab, due to several factors that create a toxic mix in the air that can last for weeks, with a serious impact on public health. Millions of people fall ill, but so far the government has not taken adequate countermeasures. However, the escalating crisis linked to air pollutants requires immediate and courageous action, with both short- and long-term solutions.

The epicentre of the crisis is the metropolis of Lahore, which holds the sad record of being the most polluted city in the world due to smog and smoke from factories and motor vehicles. People are facing multiple diseases and living in such a polluted environment has become very difficult, if not impossible. Although the provincial government uses modern technologies - spraying water, anti-smog cannons - more drastic measures are now needed to combat the emergency.

Speaking to AsiaNews, environmentalist Zafar Iqbal explains: "The increase in smog in the Lahore-Faisalabad region is no longer just a seasonal problem; it is a serious public health and environmental crisis. Uncontrolled industrial emissions, vehicle fumes, crop residue burning and weak enforcement of environmental laws are poisoning the air we breathe. Immediate steps are needed, including rigorous monitoring of factories, promotion of public transport, control of open burning and large-scale tree planting. Along with government action, citizens must take responsibility by reducing fuel consumption and supporting eco-friendly practices" to safeguard future generations.

Yousaf Benjamin, executive director of DIGNITY First - Pakistan, adds that effectively combating pollution requires a comprehensive strategy focused on reducing harmful sources, monitoring and public awareness. The most critical step, he warns, is to eliminate the cause at source, particularly from industry and agriculture. Today, he explains, it is essential to ‘implement and strictly enforce environmental laws to control sulphur and nitrogen oxides from factories’. This must be combined with a global effort, involving neighbouring countries or areas such as the Indian Punjab, by initiating ‘diplomatic efforts’ to ‘coordinate intervention’ and combat ‘cross-border smoke drift’.

‘Vehicle emissions,’ Benjamin continues, "are a significant source of urban smog throughout the year. The transition to Euro IV/Euro V standard fuels must be enforced immediately and older, highly polluting fuels must be withdrawn." The expert also calls for a shift to modern, efficient and frequent mass transport systems (electric buses, underground) to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. Furthermore, mandatory and rigorous vehicle inspection and certification systems should be established to check vehicles that do not meet emission standards. Finally, tax breaks and subsidies should be offered for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure should be developed. ‘We must,’ he concludes, "launch urban reforestation programmes and create more green spaces and vertical gardens to filter the air naturally. Improve solid urban waste management to prevent combustion, which releases toxic dioxins and particulate matter. Promote the use of solar energy and discourage dependence on generators and fossil fuel-based heating during the winter months."

• Pakistan
• pollution
• environment
• climate
• economy
• health
• smog