Last month, the situation in Punjab became so critical that it was officially declared a “calamity.” The region’s air quality frequently exceeded dangerous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) often surpassing 1,000—more than three times the hazardous threshold of 300.
The dense smog has led to a sharp rise in health problems across the region. In just one month, nearly two million people in Punjab sought medical attention for respiratory issues and other related illnesses. The smog remains persistent, with Lahore and Rawalpindi among the most severely affected areas.
A recent Ipsos survey (Nov 18-22) found that 79% of Pakistanis experienced smog in the past month, with 100% in Lahore. About 68% reported health issues, and over a third said their daily activities were disrupted. The main causes of smog were believed to be vehicular emissions (70%), industrial smoke (63%), and waste burning (37%). Some also mentioned brick kilns and crop burning, while 20% attributed the smog to the “wrath of God.”