What's happened
Punjab, Pakistan, has declared a health emergency due to severe smog affecting nearly 2 million people. Measures include school closures, lockdowns in major cities, and restrictions on restaurants. Experts warn of hazardous air quality, with readings exceeding 600 in Lahore, prompting urgent government action.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, Marriyum Aurangzeb stated, "Smog is currently a national disaster," highlighting the severity of the situation. The Independent echoed this sentiment, noting that Lahore and Multan are among the most polluted cities globally, with air quality readings deemed hazardous. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf from Jinnah Hospital emphasized the urgency of the crisis, stating, "It is more of an emergency than COVID-19." The U.N. children's agency has also raised alarms about the health risks to 11 million children in Punjab, underscoring the widespread impact of the smog crisis.
How we got here
Since October, Punjab has faced unprecedented pollution levels, primarily from vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and crop burning. The U.N. has warned that the health of millions, especially children, is at risk due to the deteriorating air quality.
More on these topics
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Punjab, also known as the Land of the Five Rivers, is a geopolitical, cultural, and historical region in South Asia. It is located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, comprising areas of modern-day eastern-Pakistan and northwestern-India.
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Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab, and is the country's 2nd largest city after Karachi, as well as the 18th largest city proper in the world.
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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Marriyum Aurangzeb is a Pakistani politician who is a member of the National Assembly and the current Spokesperson for the Pakistan Muslim League political party.