Pakistan: Rains expected to clear Lahore smog November 12-14

Event

Pakistani officials announced that the heavy smog plaguing Lahore and the rest of Punjab province is expected to abate as a result of winter rains from Sunday, November 12, to Tuesday, November 14. The relief comes as public discontent regarding the government's lack of strong environmental regulation has grown in recent weeks.

Context

Heavy smog has plagued Lahore since November 4. The smog is mainly caused by power plant emissions amid the increasing demand for electricity during this colder period of the year. Smog is also partly due to farmers lighting leftover crops on fire after the harvest. Traffic accidents, flight delays, and power failures were reported across Punjab province. Heavy vehicles were prohibited from using the highway linking Islamabad and Lahore due to almost zero visibility. However, no such restrictions were imposed in Lahore, leading to dozens of traffic accidents. As of November 10, over 250 road accidents occurred, leading to 14 deaths and over 400 injuries.

Advice

Due to health risks associated with severe air pollution, it is advisable to limit outdoor activities, especially intense physical exertion. Pollution is especially hazardous to vulnerable individuals - e.g. children, seniors, pregnant women, and individuals suffering from asthma and other respiratory issues. If experiencing breathing difficulties, do not hesitate to seek medical attention, particularly if new symptoms appear (cough, sore throat, irritated eyes).