In November 2024, Pakistan’s Punjab faced a major smog crisis that led to toxic air pollution that exceeded 1,900 AQI, forcing millions to breathe hazardous air with severe health consequences. Emergency closures affected education, commerce, and daily life across major cities. How can public spaces become safe during climate crisis-related events that shape fundamental changes in lifestyle and community interaction?
By Hamza Amin, from Faisalabad (edited by Rogerio Simoes)
Record-breaking floods, devastating heatwaves, and unprecedented glacier melts have ravaged Pakistan throughout 2024. This has underscored the harsh reality of a nation bearing the brunt of climate change – despite being responsible for less than 1% of all global emissions. Recently, Punjab’s most populous cities have disappeared under a thick blanket of toxic smog, with air quality readings shattering previous records. In the city of Lahore alone, readings have exceeded 1,200 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) — four times the hazardous level — while Multan has recorded unprecedented levels reaching 2,000. The Environmental Protection Agency warns this is not just another seasonal occurrence but a severe public health emergency.
The problem was especially evident as winter began, with cold weather patterns trapping pollutants near ground level, creating a toxic dome over the region. The cold air prevents pollution from dispersing, while the lack of wind leaves the smog stagnant over populous areas. Industrial emissions from factories combine with urban pollution, creating a deadly cocktail that exceeds the capacity of natural air-cleaning processes. Three critical dimensions reveal not only the immediate dangers but also the long-term implications for one of South Asia’s most populous regions.
Unprecedented health impact
The health consequences of Punjab’s smog crisis have been severe, extending well beyond temporary discomfort. Hospitals across the region were overwhelmed, with over 2 million patients seeking treatment. Emergency rooms were flooded with cases ranging from acute asthma attacks to bronchitis. Clinics operated at full capacity, and healthcare providers warned of the long-term damage caused by prolonged exposure to toxic air.
PM2.5 levels, which measure the most hazardous microscopic pollutants, exceeded WHO safe limits by a staggering 110 times. This air pollution is particularly harmful to lung function, with many patients experiencing worsening chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphysema. In some cases, this leads to a lifelong dependency on respiratory support. The crisis has not been. limited to respiratory issues alone; medical facilities also reported a surge in cardiovascular problems, with many previously healthy individuals now showing early signs of heart disease due to poor air quality.
Unicef has raised alarms over the 11 million children under 5 years of age exposed to this toxic air. The long-term consequences for their development could be severe, including stunted lung growth and chronic respiratory issues that could persist into adulthood. Parents are increasingly concerned about the long-term health risks for their children, while adults and the elderly worry about exacerbating existing health conditions. Furthermore, the need to stay indoors due to poor air quality has led to reduced mobility and social isolation taking a toll on mental health. This lack of physical activity, outdoor recreation, and social interaction has compounded the crisis, affecting overall well-being.
Economic and social disruption
The health crisis also carries an economic burden. Smog-related health issues have increased medical costs and productivity losses, particularly for low-income families. For those without access to affordable healthcare, out-of-pocket treatment costs can quickly add up, pushing families further into poverty. The economic impact of the smog crisis extends well beyond physical health, contributing to a cycle of financial hardship.
This crisis has also exposed significant gaps in the country’s health infrastructure, particularly its ability to respond to sudden, large-scale health emergencies. There is an urgent need to address these deficiencies, ensuring that the healthcare system can effectively manage the influx of patients during smog seasons.
The smog crisis paralysed daily life across Punjab. Authorities ordered the closure of all schools, government offices, parks, and recreational areas. These closures of schools not only interrupted the education of millions of students but also widened educational inequalities, as many students could lack resources for online learning or supplementary educational resources.
The smog furthermore caused severe visibility issues, leading to delays and cancellations in road, rail, and air transportation. Flights were frequently grounded, disrupting both passenger travel and air freight, which impacted supply chains for goods and materials. On the ground, truck drivers and delivery personnel faced hazardous conditions, making it difficult to transport goods safely and on time. This logistical disruption affected the entire region’s economy, causing delays in supply chains and reducing the availability of essential goods.
The smog crisis also disrupted community life in fundamental ways. Traditional gatherings, religious ceremonies, weddings, and festivals, which are central to Punjab’s social fabric, were postponed or held indoors in limited numbers. The economic losses multiplied daily. Smog-induced health issues could also reduce productivity, particularly for outdoor workers in construction, agriculture, and transport. Many were forced to work or were unaware of the risks, with little time for necessary breaks.
Complex environmental factors
Agricultural burning across the border contributes to 30% of the pollution, with NASA detecting between 15,500 and 18,500 fires in the region. Each autumn, farmers in northern India and Pakistan burn vast amounts of crop residue, especially rice straw, to clear fields quickly and affordably for the next planting season. This large-scale burning produces dense clouds of smoke laden with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants that travel across borders, significantly degrading air quality in Punjab. Although cross-border air pollution agreements have been proposed, there has been limited success in creating enforceable regulations to address this transboundary pollution.
Punjab is witnessing rapid construction and infrastructure development, particularly in urban areas. Construction activities, including demolition, excavation, and road development, release vast amounts of dust and fine particles into the air. Although regulations exist to control dust emissions from construction sites, enforcement is often weak, and safety measures like dust barriers are seldom implemented. The resulting particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) not only contributes to the smog but also poses direct respiratory risks to construction workers and nearby residents. With rapid urbanisation and economic growth, the number of vehicles in Punjab has surged, particularly in major cities like Lahore.
Over millions of motorbikes, combined with private cars, buses, and trucks, produce significant levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and PM2.5. The limited availability of public transportation options further incentivizes private vehicle ownership, leading to traffic congestion and idling engines that worsen air quality. This urban expansion has also led to a significant reduction in green spaces, particularly in metropolitan areas. Trees and plants play a crucial role in filtering pollutants, but with fewer green spaces, there is less natural air purification. Urban areas like Lahore experience an “urban heat island” effect, where heat-absorbing surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, raise temperatures in the city.
Punjab’s industrial sector, which includes brick kilns, steel mills, and factories, is another major source of pollutants. Many of these industrial facilities use coal, rubber, or low-quality fuel to reduce costs, leading to high emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter. Brick kilns, particularly in rural areas, are often unregulated and continue to operate without emissions control technologies, releasing toxic particles into the atmosphere. Though some industries have been required to adopt cleaner technologies, enforcement remains inconsistent, and many facilities continue to operate without adequate pollution control.
Punjab’s energy needs are largely met through fossil fuel-based power plants, many of which rely on coal, diesel, or low-quality fuel oil. These power plants emit significant amounts of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, adding to the already high pollutant levels. Despite the global push toward cleaner energy sources, Punjab has been slow to transition due to infrastructure and cost barriers. Moreover, as the demand for electricity increases, particularly during winter, these plants operate at full capacity, releasing more pollutants into the air. This reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to poor air quality but also accelerates the broader climate crisis.
Towards a smog-resilient Punjab
Addressing Punjab’s severe smog crisis requires a multi-pronged approach that combines immediate interventions with long-term strategies. Recently researchers from Pakistan have studied these challenges, and according to their findings, effective solutions include three main strategies. First, the strengthening policies and enforcement to control pollution. While environmental regulations do exist, enforcement remains inconsistent. The lack of adequate monitoring and punitive measures for violators means that industries, agricultural operations, and vehicle owners often bypass pollution controls. Experts recommend stronger regulatory frameworks and the implementation of comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about smog’s health effects.
Secondly, it is important to reduce agricultural burning through sustainable farming practices. Agricultural burning contributes substantially to poor air quality, exacerbating smog on both sides of the Punjab border. Researchers propose establishing cross-border environmental agreements between Pakistan and India, which could include collaborative research, technology sharing, and joint commitments to reduce burning events. Additionally, governments should offer subsidies for advanced farming equipment, like happy seeders and rotavators, which allow farmers to manage crop residues without burning. This approach addresses pollution and benefits soil health, creating a sustainable farming model.
Experts also highlight the importance of expanding green infrastructure in urban areas. Big cities in Punjab could benefit from creating more parks, green belts, and vertical gardens. These spaces not only filter pollutants but also mitigate urban heat, improving overall air quality. Adaptive infrastructure, such as shaded walkways and ventilated public spaces, can reduce heat and smog exposure, providing safer environments during high-pollution episodes.
The transition to renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, is a long-term solution to Punjab’s energy and pollution challenges. Incentivising industries to adopt electric or biogas-powered equipment through tax breaks or subsidies could significantly cut emissions in high-polluting sectors like manufacturing and construction – while also addressing energy needs in a sustainable way.
Top image: Smog over the city of Lahore, in Pakistan
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