28/11 • LAHORE

This is the grim reality for people in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province. November marks the beginning of the Pakistani winter, where braving the elements takes on a whole new meaning as a thick smog reigns over the city. While an AQI above 300 is classified as “hazardous,” Lahore has seen readings spike as high as 1900, making it one of the most polluted cities in the world.  

The smog choking Lahore’s population of 14 million constitutes a particularly serious threat to the elderly, pregnant women, children, and individuals with autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, many Pakistanis, out of economic necessity, cannot afford to shield themselves from the daily exposure. These conditions have placed enormous strain on pediatric hospitals, which are crowded with young patients suffering from respiratory distress. Primary schools have been forced to shut their doors as outdoor activity has become too dangerous. Citizens are describing the crisis in one foreboding word: “apocalypse.” 

The months from October to March create a dystopian season, as colder air holds pollution captive to the ground. This results in a toxic cocktail of vehicular and factory fuel emissions, worsened by crop burnings. All of this is stripping citizens of a fundamental human right: the ability to breathe.  

Although there’s been some improvement recently—with Lahore’s AQI dropping below 300 this past week, the damage may have already been done. The link between air pollution and health cannot be ignored, with evidence pointing to “diabetes, heart and lung diseases, cancers, brain disorders, and a shortened life span”. In 2015 alone, air pollution was the culprit of 135,000 premature deaths in Pakistan. With AQI levels this year soaring to record-breaking heights, there is a very real concern that the figure will rise.  

As each year passes and conditions worsen without sustainable solutions in sight, the future of Lahore remains uncertain. This reinforces the importance of the COP29 objectives. Even so, for Pakistan, the “window of opportunity” for a clean future might have to be prised back open. The city’s residents can only hope that those suffering from the effects of the pollution receive the care and resources they urgently need, and that the AQI continues to improve. 

In times like these, we are reminded of the Third Mark of Mission: to stand in solidarity with the poor and those in need. As we pray for healing and support for the people of Lahore, we are also reminded of our responsibility to care for God's creation. As stewards, it is our duty to consider the Māori concept of whakapapa, asking ourselves what kind of world we are leaving for those who come after us.