Severe air pollution in Lahore, Pakistan, has prompted authorities to shut all primary schools for a week. Starting Monday, 50% of office employees will work from home as part of a “green lockdown” initiative, which also includes bans on motorized rickshaws and unfiltered barbecues.
“The smog is dangerous for children; schools should mandate masks,” said Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
On Sunday, Lahore—Pakistan’s second-largest city—was ranked the world’s most polluted city for the second time, with the air quality index (AQI) surpassing 1,000 on Saturday, far above the WHO’s “dangerous” threshold of 300, according to IQAir data.
The concentration of fine particulate matter in the air also reached hazardous levels. Raja Jehangir Anwar, a senior environment official, identified crop burning, or “stubble burning,” across the Indian border as the main contributor to the smog. Aurangzeb noted that “strong winds are carrying the fumes into Pakistan” and emphasized the need for cross-border discussions, which the provincial government plans to initiate through the foreign ministry.
Authorities are advising residents to stay indoors and limit travel. Water-spraying vehicles are being used to reduce smog levels, and construction work has been paused in certain areas. Next Saturday, officials will reassess whether to extend school closures.
Breathing polluted air poses severe health risks, including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses, per the WHO. Last month, schools suspended outdoor activities until January, and class timings were adjusted to minimize exposure during peak pollution hours.
“As a mother, I’m deeply worried,” 42-year-old Lilly Mirza told media. “Last year wasn’t this bad. Someone needs to explain what’s going on—did a pollution bomb go off?”
Winter exacerbates the crisis, as cold, dense air traps pollutants closer to the ground.
