Poor air hits over 20 million people, exposes gaps in long-term pollution control
A view of smog in Punjab province. PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE:
More than 20 million people across Punjab were affected by smog and hazardous air quality in 2025, turning the winter months into a prolonged public health crisis.
Lahore bore the brunt, with over 600,000 residents seeking medical treatment for illnesses directly linked to smog. Other major cities, including Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi and Gujranwala, collectively reported more than 1.8 million cases, according to health authorities.
Children, the elderly, daily-wage labourers and people with pre-existing conditions were the most vulnerable. Hospitals and clinics saw a surge in respiratory illnesses, with thousands reporting asthma attacks, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and persistent coughing.
Doctors also noted worsening of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and glaucoma, as prolonged exposure to polluted air strained already fragile health.
Eye-related complaints were widespread, with patients suffering from burning, watering, redness and dry eye disease. Throat irritation, skin allergies and cardiovascular complications also increased sharply during peak smog periods. Lahore frequently recorded hazardous Air Quality Index levels throughout the winter, repeatedly exceeding limits set by the World Health Organisation.
Experts attributed the crisis to a mix of factors, including emissions from more than 10 million registered vehicles, industrial pollution, construction dust and seasonal stubble burning. Cold winter temperatures and stagnant air trapped pollutants close to the ground, allowing smog to persist from October through February across much of the province.
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Health department data highlighted the scale of the problem beyond Lahore. Faisalabad recorded about 400,000 cases of asthma, chronic bronchitis and skin allergies. In Multan, around 350,000 people sought treatment for pneumonia, throat irritation and eye problems. Gujranwala reported 300,000 cases involving asthma, bronchitis and cardiovascular issues, while Rawalpindi saw 250,000 patients with respiratory infections, eye complaints and throat irritation.
Sialkot documented roughly 200,000 cases of chronic coughing, eye irritation and skin allergies. Across other cities, an estimated 8.9 million people suffered from a mix of respiratory and heart-related illnesses.
As visibility dropped and hospital visits surged, the Punjab government rolled out emergency measures. Markets and schools were temporarily closed, factories were shut, water was sprinkled on roads and construction sites, and traffic restrictions were imposed to reduce emissions. Air quality monitoring was expanded in Lahore and other cities, while public advisories urged residents to stay indoors, wear masks and limit outdoor activity during severe smog days.
Read More: Air quality monitoring lacks scientific backing
Health experts, however, warned that such short-term steps are not enough. They stressed the need for lasting solutions, including stricter controls on industrial emissions, better vehicle fuel standards, improved public transport and effective enforcement against agricultural burning.
Officials from the Environment Protection Department cautioned that repeated exposure to fine particulate matter such as PM2.5 can cause irreversible damage to the lungs, eyes and heart, turning smog into a chronic threat rather than a seasonal problem.
The 2025 smog season underscored the urgent need for a coordinated provincial action plan. Experts called for stronger environmental laws, sustained public awareness campaigns and targeted healthcare support for vulnerable communities. The economic toll has also been heavy, with illness, restricted movement and overburdened hospitals disrupting productivity across Punjab.
As the province looks ahead to 2026, many residents hope for clearer skies. Yet the damage caused by this year’s smog has already left a lasting imprint on public health, daily life and the environment, raising hard questions about how long Punjab can afford to breathe polluted air.
