For over a week, Lahore’s 13 million residents have been struggling to breathe as severe smog engulfs the city, with air quality levels soaring past hazardous thresholds. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has repeatedly exceeded 1,000 this month, far surpassing the 300 mark that signifies dangerous conditions.

The dense smog, a mix of smoke, fog, and pollution, arrived quietly but has become impossible to ignore. Residents describe an acrid smell that intensifies as temperatures drop, while visible layers of smoke now hang over the city, blanketing streets and buildings. Hospitals are witnessing a spike in patients with respiratory issues, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. By Tuesday, reports indicated that 900 people had been hospitalized due to breathing difficulties.

In response, officials have initiated emergency measures, calling it a "green lockdown." Schools have been closed, businesses are urged to operate remotely, and restrictions have been imposed on vehicles, especially heavy-duty ones and motorbike rickshaws. The Lahore High Court has mandated early market closures and suspended activities in parks and zoos until at least mid-November.

Nasa scientist Pawan Gupta warns that the situation is likely to worsen as pollution typically peaks in late November and December. Satellite imagery shows not only the smog blanketing Lahore but also points to fires in agricultural regions as a significant contributor. Stubble burning in both Pakistan and India—a common practice for clearing fields post-harvest—has increased, with Nasa estimating up to 18,500 fires this year.

Efforts to curb this pollution are underway. India has raised penalties for farmers caught burning stubble, yet cross-border pollution persists. While officials in Pakistan attribute roughly 30% of Lahore’s smog to neighboring regions, local factors play a substantial role, too. With five million motorbikes, countless vehicles, and coal-fired brick kilns on the city’s outskirts, Lahore’s air quality continues to deteriorate.

Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, has announced plans to reach out to Indian officials to initiate “climate diplomacy.” However, Abid Omar, founder of Pakistan’s Air Quality Initiative, emphasizes that pollution is not merely a seasonal issue but an ongoing health crisis. October saw a 25% increase in pollution levels compared to last year, with some locations recording an AQI as high as 1,917.

For residents like Sadia Kashif, whose children suffer from persistent coughs and respiratory issues, the temporary shutdowns offer little comfort. Kashif and others believe that while the government has implemented stopgap measures, a robust plan for long-term improvements—such as enhanced public transportation and industrial regulation—is necessary.

As Lahore chokes under a toxic haze, the need for effective policies and cross-border cooperation has never been clearer. “Blue skies,” as Omar says, “are an indicator of good governance,” and both governments must act quickly to protect the health and future of their citizens.