Lahore's Smog Crisis Sparks Urgent Assembly Debate

Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan to schedule a special session for Wednesday to evaluate the government's anti-smog initiatives. The Speaker emphasized that the smog situation in and around Lahore is extremely hazardous and a pressing challenge that cannot be ignored. He called for all assembly members to attend the session dedicated to this critical issue.

In recent weeks, Lahore has consistently ranked among the world’s most polluted cities. On Tuesday, thick smog once again reduced visibility, leading to complaints from residents about eye irritations and respiratory discomfort.

PA holds special session today; AQI remains at 431
The city recorded a maximum Air Quality Index (AQI) of 431 at 11 PM, with some areas experiencing even worse conditions. Between 1 PM and 4 PM, the AQI dipped below 200, yet it remained unhealthy according to international standards, although it was an improvement compared to the previous two days. Notable AQI levels included 718 at Pakistan Engineering Services (Pvt) Ltd, 698 at Netsol, and 659 at Generation Pvt Ltd, among others.

Raja Jahangir Anwar, Secretary of the Environment Protection Department, attributed the increase in Lahore's AQI to smog-laden air drifting from New Delhi. However, he also noted that the Punjab government has taken action by banning over 2,500 vehicles, demolishing 469 factories and kilns, and filing 318 cases in the past 28 days to combat pollution in the city.

Authorities issued a smog alert last week, urging residents to take preventive measures against air pollution. Citizens were advised to monitor air quality, keep their windows and doors closed, limit outdoor activities, and wear masks when necessary.

All outdoor school activities in Punjab have been suspended, and school timings have been adjusted. Traffic police warned commuters to be cautious while driving, as visibility has been significantly compromised due to the smog.

A crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles began on Monday night, prohibiting unfit vehicles from entering the city. Despite this, heavy vehicles, particularly trucks, continue to enter Lahore through the central routes, such as Data Darbar and Ferozepur Road, despite the availability of the Ring Road. Many of these trucks are overloaded, exceeding international axle load limits, and are often modified illegally, with no regulations in place to address the issue.

Additionally, Punjab Police are intensifying efforts to prevent smog and protect the environment. This year's crackdown has resulted in 957 arrests and 1,245 registered cases. In Lahore alone, 73 suspects have been apprehended, leading to 182 cases. Across the province, traffic authorities have issued citations to 669,599 vehicles for excessive emissions, impounded 150,600 for failing fitness standards, and suspended the fitness certificates of 9,965 vehicles due to pollution violations. Significant fines have also been imposed on polluting vehicles.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar has directed an escalation of anti-smog operations on highways, in industrial areas, and other critical locations. He underscored the need for ongoing enforcement by traffic police and the Punjab Highway Patrol against vehicles that contribute to smog. Enhanced monitoring through Safe City cameras is also recommended to enable swift action against polluters. Dr. Anwar emphasized the necessity of strict measures against burning crop residues and waste, as well as regulating smoke-emitting brick kilns to ensure environmental protection.

Written by: Shah Behram Iftikhar (Punjab University)