Punjab Braces for Smoggy November and December, Officials Report
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that smog in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province is expected to persist through November and December, urging citizens to take safety measures against air pollution. Lahore and 17 other districts in Punjab have been engulfed in toxic smog since last month, leading to over 40,000 respiratory cases and prompting school closures until November 17. The UN children’s agency has highlighted that 11 million children in Punjab are at risk from the pollution.
Air quality in South Asia, including India and Pakistan, declines sharply each winter as emissions, dust, and smoke become trapped by cold air. Research from last year indicated that this pollution could shorten life expectancy in the region by more than five years.
The NDMA reported monitoring the situation through advanced ground and satellite tools and confirmed that urban centers such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera are likely to face smog in the coming months. The agency analyzed emissions from industries, transport, and agriculture, including pollutants like stubble burning by farmers and particulates such as PM10 and PM2.5.
The NDMA advised the public to limit outdoor activity during peak smog hours, wear masks outside, stay hydrated, and use dehumidifiers. To combat air pollution, Punjab authorities have already taken measures like banning polluting two-stroke rickshaws and regulating barbecues without filters. Additionally, parks and museums were ordered to close for 10 days to minimize exposure and reduce non-essential travel.
