Bad air affects over 20 million people, reveals gaps in long-term pollution controls
A view of smog in Punjab province. PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE:
More than 20 million people across Punjab were affected by smog and hazardous air quality by 2025, turning the winter months into a prolonged public health crisis.
Lahore bore the brunt, with over 600,000 residents seeking medical treatment for illnesses directly linked to the smog. Other major cities, including Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi and Gujranwala, collectively reported more than 1.8 million cases, according to health officials.
Children, the elderly, day laborers and people with pre-existing conditions were the most vulnerable. Hospitals and clinics saw an increase in respiratory illnesses, with thousands reporting asthma attacks, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and persistent coughs.
Doctors also noted worsening of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and glaucoma as long-term exposure to polluted air strained already fragile health.
Eye-related complaints were widespread, with patients suffering from burning, watering, redness and dry eyes. Throat irritation, skin allergies and cardiovascular complications also increased sharply during peak periods of smog. Lahore often recorded hazardous air quality index levels throughout the winter, repeatedly exceeding limits set by the World Health Organization.
Experts attributed the crisis to a mix of factors, including emissions from more than 10 million registered vehicles, industrial pollution, construction dust and seasonal stubble burning. Cold winter temperatures and stagnant air trapped pollutants close to the ground, allowing smog to persist from October to February across much of the province.
The Health Ministry’s data highlighted the extent of the problem beyond Lahore. Faisalabad recorded around 400,000 cases of asthma, chronic bronchitis and skin allergies. In Multan, about 350,000 people sought treatment for pneumonia, throat irritation and eye problems. Gujranwala reported 300,000 cases involving asthma, bronchitis and cardiovascular problems, while Rawalpindi saw 250,000 patients with respiratory infections, eye problems and throat irritation.
Sialkot documented around 200,000 cases of chronic cough, eye irritation and skin allergy. In other cities, an estimated 8.9 million people suffered from a mix of respiratory and heart-related illnesses.
As visibility decreased and hospital visits increased, the Punjab government introduced emergency measures. Markets and schools were temporarily closed, factories were closed, water was sprinkled on roads and construction sites, and traffic restrictions were imposed to reduce emissions. Air quality monitoring was expanded in Lahore and other cities, while public advisories urged residents to stay indoors, wear masks and limit outdoor activity during heavy smog days.
However, health experts warned that such short-term steps are not enough. They stressed the need for lasting solutions, including stricter controls on industrial emissions, better fuel standards for vehicles, improved public transport and effective enforcement of agricultural burning.
Environmental Protection Department officials warned that repeated exposure to fine particles such as PM2.5 can cause irreversible damage to the lungs, eyes and heart, making smog a chronic threat rather than a seasonal problem.
