By 
8-11-2024
Emma Wijnen
Team Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
The smog, which is usually worse in winter as denser air causes pollutants to be trapped near the surface, reached new levels these last weeks. Pakistani authorities in Punjab have closed primary and secondary education schools in several major cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan until November 17th, 2024 [1].
Lahore, the capital of Punjab, has been among the highest-ranking cities for bad air quality for years. However, last weekend it reached a record high 1,900 index score from IQAir. This is more than 120 times the recommended level of air quality. A score of 300 is already considered dangerous by the World Health Organisation [2].
The Pakistani government has enforced a ‘green lockdown’, banning specific activities such as open barbecues and construction work. Citizens are advised to stay indoors as much as possible and wear masks outside. Prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution can lead to serious health issues, particularly for children. Local hospitals and clinics saw many patients for respiratory issues or eye infections [3]. Climate change does not only pose a threat to the health of children but also to the access to education of children if the smog persists. General Comment 26 of the Committee on the Rights of the Child explicitly states that children have the right to a healthy environment [4].
Experts warn that this issue will not be solved by itself. It calls for new climate policies focusing on clean fuels and the reduction of emissions. Pakistan can follow the steps that other cities, such as Beijing, have taken to tackle the issue of smog. The city focused on a transition to greener transportation and a restructured industry. After a few years, the air had already become cleaner. Until then, the people of Punjab will have more difficult days ahead facing the smog [5].
Sources and further readings:
[1] Aljazeera, ‘Pakistan’s Punjab shuts schools, sets up ‘smog war room’ over air pollution’ (Aljazeera, 6 November 2024) <https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/6/pakistans-punjab-shuts-schools-sets-up-smog-war-room-over-air-pollution> accessed on 7 November 2024.
[2] The News, ‘Lahore once again tops global charts for highest air pollution level’ (The News, 6 November 2024) <https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1247940-lahore-once-again-tops-global-charts-for-highest-air-pollution-level> accessed on 7 November 2024.
[3] Aljazeera, ‘Record high air pollution shuts schools in Pakistan’s Lahore’ (Aljazeera, 4 November 2024) <https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/11/4/record-high-air-pollution-shuts-schools-in-pakistans-lahore> accessed on 7 November 2024.
[4] UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, ‘General Comment No. 26: children’s rights and the environment with a special focus on climate change (22 Augustus 2023) UN Doc CRC/C/GC/26.
[5] Aslam I, ‘Analysis: Tackling smog will take more than ‘lockdowns and prohibitions’ (Dawn, 6 November 2024) <https://www.dawn.com/news/1870326> accessed on 7 November 2024.
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