More than 11 million children under five are at risk due to exposure to toxic air as severe smog continues to grip Punjab, with Lahore particularly affected over recent weeks.
Unicef’s Pakistan Representative, Abdullah Fadil, expressed grave concerns about health risks, especially for young children and pregnant women, given the worsening air quality.
Punjab cities, including Lahore and Multan, have been battling heavy smog for weeks despite the provincial government’s efforts to curb pollution, with air pollutant levels climbing as temperatures fall.
This alarming situation has led to hundreds of hospitalizations, including many children, as pollution has become so dense it is now visible from space.
In response, authorities have restricted outdoor activities across Lahore, imposing school closures and bans on park access last week.
Today, the provincial government also extended the ban on outdoor activities in Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad—the most affected areas after Lahore—until November 17.
“Before these unprecedented pollution levels, around 12% of deaths among children under five in Pakistan were linked to air pollution. This year’s extreme smog will likely cause even more severe health impacts, particularly for children and pregnant women,” Fadil stated.
He stressed that young children are especially vulnerable, with smaller lungs and immature immune systems, while their faster breathing rate increases their pollutant intake, heightening risks of respiratory diseases.
Fadil further noted that air pollution’s impact on infants can be severe, potentially harming their developing lungs and brains, affecting cognitive development with lasting consequences.
“When pregnant women inhale polluted air, they face increased risks of preterm births, respiratory problems, and low birth weights,” he added.
The Unicef representative highlighted that the organization supports awareness campaigns within the Punjab government’s anti-smog strategy and is working with officials to reduce emissions, including shifts toward renewable energy.
“With COP29 approaching, governments have a vital chance to turn promises into climate action before it’s too late. Our children deserve clean air, and we must act urgently to protect their health, education, and future,” he urged.
