2000 AQI in Pakistan? NASA images reveal horrific smog engulfing Lahore and other cities

Toxic smog has blanketed Pakistan's skies, reaching levels so extreme that it is now visible from space. Satellite imagery from NASA's Worldview shows a vast, grey smog cloud stretching over Pakistan's Punjab province, capturing the severity of the pollution crisis.

Record-high pollution levels in Pakistani cities

Recently, cities in Pakistan, including Lahore and Multan, have been facing unprecedented pollution levels. The smog has grown so dense that streets, buildings, and even familiar landmarks are hard to see, turning daily life into a challenge.

Punjab province enacts strict measures to combat pollution

In response to the worsening air quality, Punjab authorities have enforced strict measures to reduce outdoor exposure and pollution levels. Starting Monday, most outdoor activities have been banned, and shops, markets, and malls in some regions now close earlier in the day. Lahore, which ranks as the most polluted city globally according to IQAir, recently recorded an AQI over 600, a significant drop from a staggering 1,900 just weeks prior.

Health impacts: Rising respiratory issues and eye conditions

The thick smog has led to a spike in respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and conjunctivitis cases, particularly in cities like Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. The Punjab government reports an alarming increase in patients experiencing respiratory issues, which they attribute to high levels of dust, smoke, and chemical exposure. Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is spreading rapidly due to these pollutants.

Road accidents

The situation is especially critical in Lahore, where reduced visibility due to thick haze has contributed to traffic accidents, including a recent collision on GT Road that injured nine people. In Multan, the AQI hit a critical high of over 2,000 last Friday. The concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air—a dangerous pollutant linked to severe respiratory conditions—was recorded at 947 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly 190 times higher than the World Health Organization's safe limit.

New rules and exemptions to address health concerns

With the rise in illnesses, Punjab's government has implemented several restrictions: outdoor sports, exhibitions, and festivals have been halted, although essential religious activities are still allowed. Pharmacies, dairy stores, and vegetable shops can remain open until 8 PM, providing access to necessities even as other shops shut early.

Government criticised for slow action, points to cross-border pollution

Critics argue that the government’s response has been slow, with many residents still seen outdoors without protective masks despite the hazardous air quality. Authorities in Punjab have suggested that cross-border winds from India may be contributing to the pollution, and they intend to raise this issue diplomatically with India.

Inputs from agencies