Tens of millions of Pakistanis endured four months of hazardous air pollution, with smog levels reaching 20 times the safe limit, marking one of the worst winter pollution seasons in recent years.
Pakistan consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted nations, with Lahore emerging as the most polluted megacity between November and February. According to independent air monitoring project AQICN, the 2024-2025 smog season started a month earlier in October and persisted at dangerously high levels, even affecting cities previously less impacted by pollution.
Residents of Lahore, home to 14 million people, were exposed to PM2.5 concentrations—fine particulate matter that can enter the lungs and bloodstream—far exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for six months. In Karachi and Islamabad, the pollution remained at hazardous levels for 120 days.
Escalating Pollution Crisis
“The smog gets worse every year,” said a Lahore-based factory owner, who criticized government policies while choosing to remain anonymous. “If I had the means, I would relocate to Dubai to raise my children in a healthier environment.”
Experts attribute the worsening air quality to industrial and vehicular emissions, compounded by seasonal crop stubble burning and unfavorable weather conditions. This year, much-needed winter rains arrived late in February, as climate change continues to disrupt Pakistan’s weather patterns.
The severity of the smog was evident from satellite images, and authorities were forced to shut down schools across Punjab, including Lahore, affecting millions of students.
Health Concerns and Legal Action
The deteriorating air quality has sparked public outcry. Young climate activist Risha Rashid, who suffers from asthma, described the situation as “really suffocating” and has filed a legal case against the government.
“I can’t even step outside, even if I have exams. This isn’t just harming our physical health but our mental well-being too,” she said.
A November poll by Ipsos found that four out of five Pakistanis reported being affected by smog, which causes sore throats, eye irritation, and respiratory illnesses. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of strokes, heart disease, and lung cancer, with children being particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems.
Government Measures and Shortcomings
In response, Punjab’s provincial government declared a “war on smog,” significantly increasing air quality monitoring devices and providing subsidized machinery to help farmers clear crop residue without burning it.
Authorities also pledged stricter enforcement of emissions regulations for thousands of factories and more than 8,000 brick kilns, a major source of black carbon pollution. However, environmental experts argue that efforts remain inconsistent, and restrictions on independent air monitoring devices have led to concerns over data transparency.
Additionally, anti-smog machines—such as a smog tower installed in Lahore—proved ineffective and were shut down just two months after deployment. “It’s like putting an air conditioner outside and expecting it to cool the whole city,” commented an expert.
The Path to Cleaner Air
Experts stress the need to address pollution at its source rather than merely mitigating its effects. “If a bathtub is overflowing, do you grab a towel or turn off the tap first?” said Ahmad Ali Gul of Lahore’s University of Management and Technology. “We need to focus on cutting emissions before talking about protection measures.”
While Pakistan has blamed cross-border pollution from India for deteriorating air quality in Lahore, government data indicates that 83% of the city’s emissions come from transportation.
Frank Hammes, CEO of the Switzerland-based AQI project, emphasized the urgent need for cleaner fuels, citing successful examples from other countries. However, he acknowledged that implementing such policies requires “a strong central effort to push through difficult but necessary changes.”
Pakistan aims to make electric vehicles (EVs) account for a third of new car sales by 2030. While more affordable Chinese EVs entered the Pakistani market in 2024, their adoption remains limited, especially in a country where 40% of the 240 million population lives in poverty, according to the World Bank.
The country briefly experienced improved air quality in 2020 during pandemic lockdowns, as vehicle traffic and industrial activity came to a halt. “The air was so clear we could see the stars in Lahore at night,” recalled Omar Masud, director of the Urban Unit, which monitors pollution for the government.
However, with Pakistan grappling with economic hardships, environmental concerns remain a secondary priority for many. “Most people are just struggling to survive,” said Ipsos director Abdul Sattar Babar. “When you’re fighting to make ends meet, climate change isn’t your biggest concern.“
