Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, has established a “smog war room” to combat severe air pollution after recording the world’s highest pollution levels, pushing officials to take unprecedented action.
Pakistan’s Lahore launches smog war room
Swiss air quality monitor IQAir’s live rankings show that Lahore registered a staggering pollution index score of 1165, far surpassing New Delhi’s 299. This follows last week’s record-breaking score of 1900, which exceeded recommended levels by more than 120 times and prompted primary school closures and work-from-home orders.
“The war room committee will review weather and air quality forecasts … daily and monitor the performance and actions of field officers,” said Sajid Bashir, spokesperson for Punjab’s environment department. The initiative coordinates eight departments under a single leadership, managing issues from farm waste burning to traffic control through twice-daily analysis sessions.
What did Punjab’s minister say?
Punjab’s senior minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, attributed the toxic air to pollution from neighbouring India, just 25 kilometres away. She indicated that Pakistan’s foreign office would address this issue with India’s foreign ministry, according to an Indian Express interview.
The crisis reflects a broader regional challenge, as South Asia experiences intense winter pollution when cold air traps emissions, dust, and smoke from agricultural fires. A recent study suggests this pollution could reduce life expectancy in the region by more than five years.
Delhi’s Air Quality Index
Meanwhile, New Delhi, ranked the world’s most polluted capital for four consecutive years by IQAir, is exploring artificial rain as a potential solution, according to its environment minister.
The establishment of Lahore’s war room marks a significant step in addressing the region’s air quality crisis, though the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. With both Pakistan and India grappling with severe air pollution, the situation highlights the need for cross-border cooperation in tackling this environmental emergency.
