Children, elderly at highest risk as Lahore's air turns toxic

After weeks of devastating floods, Lahore is now grappling with another crisis as air quality rapidly worsens ahead of the winter smog season. The city has already climbed into the ranks of the world’s 15 most polluted cities, according to global monitors.

Air quality monitors show Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to rise steadily, climbing from 92 on Thursday to over 150 through the weekend and early next week. Readings above 150 are considered “unhealthy,” posing risks to all residents, not just sensitive groups.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza stressed that protecting public health is the government’s priority. “All departments are mobilized, and violators will face strict action,” he said. “Lahore must not be allowed to become a gas chamber this winter.”

‘Air is already harmful to breathe’

Health experts warn the trend is alarming, with the peak smog season still weeks away. “This air is already harmful to breathe,” medical professionals said, noting heightened risks for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. Environmental specialists cautioned that without strong mitigation, the approaching winter could bring even more dangerous levels of smog.

With the AQI forecast already signaling a run of unhealthy days, authorities are urging residents to limit outdoor exposure, wear masks where possible, and support anti-smog measures as the city heads into its most polluted season of the year.

Emergency action plan to counter threat

The Punjab government has launched an emergency action plan to counter the threat. Forty-three anti-smog squads are being deployed across the city to enforce restrictions on smoke-emitting vehicles, construction dust, and crop residue burning. Industrial units found violating emission standards will face immediate crackdowns.

Officials said a digital dashboard will monitor enforcement in real time, while schools have been tasked with spreading awareness about smog risks. The Lahore Waste Management Company has also been ordered to accelerate waste disposal, with a complete ban on garbage burning.

Why PM2.5 is the most dangerous smog component

A key measure of air pollution, especially in Lahore’s smog, is PM2.5 — fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, roughly 3 percent the width of a human hair. Because of their microscopic size, these particles remain suspended in the air longer and are easily inhaled deep into the lungs. Some can even enter the bloodstream.

Medical studies link long-term exposure to PM2.5 with premature death from heart and lung disease. Short-term exposure can trigger or worsen asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and other respiratory problems. Health experts consider PM2.5 one of the most dangerous components of smog, making efforts to reduce its concentration critical for protecting public health.