Lahore
A three-year-old girl, Amal Sekhera, has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday, filing a petition against the Punjab government over its failure to control the severe air pollution affecting Lahore. The petition highlights the hazardous smog levels in the city, which continues to top global air quality rankings, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently crossing 800 and exceeding 1000 on several occasions.
The pollution crisis in Lahore and its surrounding areas has caused significant health problems, especially for children and the elderly, with hospitals overwhelmed by respiratory illnesses. The provincial government has declared a smog emergency and shut down all educational institutions up to the higher secondary level until November 17. Residents have been advised to wear masks when venturing outside, as the pollution levels remain extremely hazardous.
Amal’s petition, filed on Thursday, argues that the government has failed to uphold its constitutional obligation to provide citizens with a clean and healthy environment, as guaranteed under Article 99-A of Pakistan’s Constitution. The petition calls for justice not only for Amal but for all affected citizens and future generations.
Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has warned that the intense smog is expected to persist for at least 10 more days, affecting cities like Multan and Gujranwala as well.
