Pakistan bans entry to parks, zoos as air pollution worsens
In a drastic move to combat the toxic air pollution sweeping through the region, Pakistan’s Punjab province has imposed a ban on public access to parks, zoos, and several other outdoor spaces, effective this Friday. The measure is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health as smog levels in the provincial capital, Lahore, have reached alarming highs.
Lahore, which has been enveloped in a thick haze for several days, was ranked the world’s most polluted city on Friday by the Swiss air quality monitoring group, IQAir. The city’s residents have been struggling to breathe amidst a cloud of pollutants, and authorities have responded by shutting down schools and mandating work-from-home arrangements. The provincial government’s new directive also prohibits public entry to historical sites, museums, playgrounds, and amusement parks, with the ban set to remain in place until November 17.
The pollution levels in Lahore, along with other cities in Punjab, have been exacerbated by the annual winter phenomenon, where cold air traps dust, industrial emissions, and smoke from stubble burning—a controversial practice used by farmers to quickly clear their fields. The province has also pointed to pollution wafting in from neighboring India as a major contributor. On Friday, New Delhi, which also suffers from severe pollution during this season, was ranked the second most polluted city in the world by IQAir.
In response to the crisis, the Punjab government has also criticized the illegal burning of crop residue, which remains a significant issue in both Pakistan and India. While the practice has been reported to be less widespread this year, it continues to contribute to deteriorating air quality in the region. To mitigate this, the Indian government has ramped up penalties for farmers caught burning stubble. Under new regulations announced Wednesday, fines for violators have been doubled. Farmers with less than two acres of land will face a fine of 5,000 rupees (about $60), while those with larger plots could be fined up to 30,000 rupees, according to India’s environment ministry.
Experts have warned that unless urgent action is taken to address both local and cross-border pollution sources, the health impacts of this crisis—already visible in rising respiratory illnesses—could worsen in the coming weeks. The Punjab government has urged residents to stay indoors, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, as air quality in many parts of the province remains hazardous.
As the region struggles to cope with the smog, local authorities and international organizations are calling for long-term solutions to curb emissions, improve air quality, and reduce the harmful effects of stubble burning in the future.
