Unprecedented air pollution levels in Pakistan's second-largest city of Lahore prompted authorities to take emergency measures on Sunday, including issuing work-from-home mandates and closing primary schools. The concentration of PM2.5 pollutants, harmful fine particles in the air, peaked at 610 micrograms per cubic meter, well above the WHO's unhealthy threshold of 15 micrograms over 24 hours. The air quality index also spiked to an unprecedented 1,067.

Raja Jehangir Anwar, a senior environment official, said the "biggest headache" causing the smog was burning crop waste, known as stubble, across the Indian border. Aurangzeb said the fumes were “carried by strong winds into Pakistan”."This cannot be solved without talks with India," adding that the provincial government would initiate such discussions through the foreign ministry.

The government is urging people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Construction work has been halted, and street vendors must cease operations by 8 PM. The smog problem is particularly severe in winter when cold air traps emissions from the city's vehicles and factories close to the ground. The situation will be assessed again next Saturday to establish whether schools should remain shut. Inhaling toxic air can have catastrophic health consequences, including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and some respiratory diseases, according to the WHO.

While the closure of schools is a temporary measure, it highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to address air pollution in Lahore. Experts suggest a multi-faceted approach, including stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles, promoting cleaner energy sources, and implementing effective waste management practices. As the city grapples with this environmental crisis, policymakers, businesses, and individuals must work together to improve air quality and safeguard the health of future generations.