The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) in Pakistan has called for urgent efforts to address severe air pollution levels that have impacted over 11 million children under five in Punjab’s worst-affected districts. Abdullah Fadil, Unicef’s representative in Pakistan, emphasised the need for immediate intervention to protect young children exposed to hazardous air.
The Punjab region declared air quality a “calamity” last month, and cities such as Lahore and Multan recorded unprecedented air pollution levels. As a preventive measure, authorities have closed schools across major cities until November 17, while public parks, zoos, playgrounds, and museums are temporarily closed to limit exposure.
On Monday, air quality in seven cities exceeded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 400, with Sialkot’s levels reaching 774. The AQI scale deems values above 300 “hazardous,” posing serious health risks. Unicef’s statement warned of the visible severity of the pollution, which can now be detected from space, as reported by BBC.
Primary Impact on Children and Pregnant Women
In a recent statement, Fadil expressed his concern for children’s well-being, noting that over 11 million children under five in the province are now exposed to the toxic air. According to Fadil, air pollution was already responsible for 12 per cent of deaths among children under five in Pakistan before these recent spikes in pollution levels. He warned that heightened pollution levels would likely lead to worsened outcomes, particularly for children and pregnant women, who are at greater risk.
Highlighting the long-term effects, Fadil explained that exposure to polluted air can impair children’s cognitive and physical development, with potential damage to brain tissue and lung capacity. For pregnant women, exposure increases the likelihood of premature birth, respiratory issues, and low birth weight in infants.
The temporary closure of schools affects nearly 16 million children in Punjab, where authorities have shifted to online learning to mitigate risks. Fadil urged the government to ensure children’s right to clean air, stressing the importance of reducing emissions from industrial activities and promoting sustainable energy sources.
Government Measures and Long-Term Solutions
Fadil called for stronger regulatory enforcement to curb emissions and emphasised the role of COP29 as a critical platform for action on climate change. In Lahore, which frequently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, additional measures are in place, including a ban on tuk-tuks with two-stroke engines and unfiltered barbecue operations in high-risk areas.
Amid worsening air quality, Punjab province has banned public access to recreational areas, zoos, and historic sites until November 17. Residents in Lahore and Multan report respiratory discomfort and eye irritation from smog, and the provincial government has deployed water cannons and tested artificial rain to combat the pollution.
Specialised smog counters have been set up at health clinics to triage patients with respiratory issues, as pollution levels peak across the region. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that air pollution contributes to conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer, and strokes, with children and the elderly particularly vulnerable.
In a recent initiative, authorities in Punjab have intensified their focus on emission reductions and regulatory compliance. However, as winter progresses, low-grade fuel emissions, vehicular pollution, and agricultural burning continue to contribute to the severe smog that blankets the city.