Lahore's air quality ranks third worst globally

Lahore is struggling with containing smog and air pollution has worsened with the provincial capital city now ranked as the third most polluted in the world.

After holding the second position on Tuesday, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 220 on Wednesday trailing behind New Delhi and Cairo, both of which reported the worst air quality.

Lahore's air quality crisis has been primarily driven by a drop in temperature, compounded by vehicular emissions, with motorcycles contributing significantly to the pollution

Experts say the city’s inadequate public transport system forces many residents to rely on personal vehicles, further contributing to the crisis. Despite some brief improvements in air quality, Lahore continues to face a dire pollution problem.

The environmental and health impact of Lahore's pollution is alarming. Studies show that the toxic air in the city has reduced life expectancy by nearly four years, and air pollution is linked to over 100,000 deaths annually in Pakistan.

Worldwide, the World Health Organization estimates that seven million people die each year due to environmental pollution.

Lahore’s smog season, which began earlier this year in late October, has been compounded by insufficient measures like the “Green Lockdown” in Punjab.

Experts are calling for long-term solutions, including better public transport systems, stricter emissions controls, and more sustainable urban planning to reduce pollution levels in Lahore.

With the city now ranked third in global pollution rankings, immediate action is needed to address the ongoing crisis and protect the health and well-being of its residents.

Smog eases, classes resume across Punjab

The academic activities across the 36 districts of Punjab restored on Wednesday as the provincial government announced resumption of physical attendance of the students at all schools including private institutions.

The provincial government announced the reopening of all educational institutions, including private schools, across Punjab, with Lahore and Multan Divisions included.

The decision came in light of slight improvements in the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded earlier this week.

According to a notification, all schools in Punjab will reopen on November 20, with physical attendance mandatory for students. Suspended for around two weeks, academic activities will resume in all 36 districts.

The Environment Protection Department, following instructions from the Punjab government, issued a notification stating that all educational institutions in Punjab, including Lahore and Multan Divisions, would reopen from November 20.

Physical attendance will now be compulsory, but schools have been directed to implement strict precautionary measures. All students and staff must wear masks, outdoor and extracurricular activities are banned, and schools are prohibited from starting classes before 8:45 am.

Moreover, staggered closing hours have also been advised.

Earlier, schools across Punjab were closed until November 24 due to worsening air pollution and smog.

However, with AQI improving in Lahore and other major districts, the government decided to reopen schools earlier than planned.

Schools in other divisions, except Lahore and Multan, had already reopened a few days ago.

Two weeks ago, the government initially announced school closures until November 17, later extending the closure to November 24 due to severe air quality and smog.

The decision was prompted by thousands of students reporting illnesses such as eye infections, coughs, fevers and chest conditions linked to smog. Online classes were advised during the period, though many challenges arose in implementing virtual education.

Last week, artificial rain in Jhelum, Chakwal, and other parts of Punjab helped improve air quality, enabling the reopening decision.

Special education institutions, also closed earlier this month, will reopen today. Administrators of these schools have been instructed to adopt the same precautionary measures as regular schools.

"This November, thousands of students suffered due to smog, and their education also faced a major setback," Kashif Adeeb Jawadani, president of the All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association, said.

He said that teachers struggled to complete academic courses, while online education faced several challenges. "It's a relief that the Punjab government has finally acknowledged the difficulties faced by students and decided to reopen schools," he added.

Meanwhile, the public continues to suffer due to lingering smog. Over the past 24 hours, public hospitals across Punjab have reported 60,506 respiratory disease cases. This includes 3,771 asthma patients, 1,866 heart disease cases, and 627 individuals with eye-related ailments.

Authorities have urged schools to ensure health and safety protocols as academic activities resume in the province.