Smog continues to choke Pakistan’s Punjab province, prompting authorities to declare a health emergency and implement stringent measures. The province, already battling worsening air pollution, witnessed hundreds of thousands of Muslims gather for rain prayers amid smog-laden skies.
On Friday, construction activities were halted, schools remained closed for another week, and universities shifted to online classes to combat the smog. Talha Mahmood, spokesman for the Religious Affairs department, stated that over 600 government-run mosques held “Namaz-e-Istisqa,” a special prayer for rain during challenging times.
Muhammad Ejaz, who led prayers at a mosque in Lahore, said, “We prayed for rain to alleviate smog, acknowledging that human actions contribute to this issue.” He emphasized that the prayer also sought divine forgiveness.
SMOG Crises
Smog has become an annual crisis for Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province. The combination of cold air, dust, low-grade diesel emissions, and illegal stubble burning has significantly worsened air quality in recent years. Sajid Bashir, spokesman for the provincial Environment Department, attributed this year’s severe smog to an absence of rain in September and October. “Last year, rain spells helped decrease particulate matter. This year, we’re still waiting,” he stated.
Throughout most of the week, Lahore has led global air quality rankings as the world’s most polluted city, according to IQAir.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced comprehensive anti-smog initiatives, including the suspension of construction activities, the closure of brick kilns, and the halting of furnace-based plants in Lahore and Multan. She also warned of a complete three-day lockdown starting next Friday if conditions do not improve.
Earlier, the provincial government ordered schools to remain closed until November 17, with an extension to online learning announced on Friday. Colleges and universities will also shift to virtual education. Public access to parks, zoos, and playgrounds has been restricted as part of emergency measures.
The smog crisis in Punjab has also intensified tensions with neighboring India, which Pakistan accuses of exacerbating the region’s air pollution. New Delhi, the world’s most polluted capital, has implemented similar measures, including restrictions on non-essential construction, online learning for children, and advisories against using coal and wood.
