As Pakistan grapples with unprecedented levels of air pollution, the health and well-being of millions of children are at grave risk. Abdullah Fadil, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Pakistan, has issued an urgent call for stronger action from the government to address the growing environmental crisis, particularly in the eastern Punjab province, where air quality has reached hazardous levels.
The smog in Punjab, especially in cities like Lahore and Multan, has become a public health emergency. According to Fadil, over 11 million children under the age of five are being exposed to dangerously high levels of air pollution, putting them at risk for a range of serious health problems. Recent data shows that air quality levels in Lahore and Multan have exceeded 100 times the safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). In some areas, air pollution levels have passed 2,000 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), a figure far beyond the threshold deemed hazardous to human health.
Abdullah Fadil emphasized the particularly devastating impact of the smog on young children, whose lungs are still developing and who breathe faster than adults, inhaling more pollutants with every breath. “Young children are most affected by air pollution because they have smaller lungs and lack the immunities that come with age,” said Fadil. “The potential impact of this pollution on babies’ developing lungs and brains is extreme. It can damage brain tissue and undermine cognitive development, with lifelong consequences.”
“Every child has the right to clean air. Children’s health and right to an education must be protected. UNICEF calls on the Government of Pakistan to fulfill these rights for every child.”
– Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan
In addition to respiratory issues, children exposed to polluted air are at higher risk for conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and other life-threatening diseases. The long-term effects of exposure, including developmental delays and a reduced ability to concentrate, could have lasting consequences for the future of Pakistan’s children.
The situation is dire for pregnant women as well. Fadil warned that exposure to polluted air increases the likelihood of premature births, low birth weight, and respiratory issues for newborns. This poses an added burden on Pakistan’s already strained healthcare system and undermines the health of future generations.
Schools Closed due to Pollution
The educational disruption caused by the air pollution is another concerning consequence. In the worst-affected areas, schools have been closed until mid-November, affecting nearly 16 million children in Punjab alone. Fadil further highlighted the already ailing education in Pakistan saying that “Pakistan, already in the grips of an education emergency with 26.2 million children out of school, cannot afford more learning losses”. With schools closed and the air deemed unsafe for outdoor activities, children are missing out on vital learning opportunities, further exacerbating the education emergency in the country.
The air pollution is also affecting daily life for millions of people. Lahore, home to more than 14 million residents, regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. The pollution, a toxic mix of vehicle emissions, industrial fumes, and agricultural stubble burning, is further compounded by the region’s weather conditions. Cooler temperatures and stagnant winds trap the pollutants, creating a suffocating smog that blankets the city.
In response to this environmental crisis, UNICEF is calling on the Government of Pakistan to take immediate and decisive action to reduce emissions and protect the health of children. Fadil stressed the importance of enforcing stricter regulations on industrial and agricultural emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and promoting cleaner transportation options. “These efforts are no longer just about climate change,” he said. “They are critical to protecting children’s health today.”
Fadil said UNICEF is supporting the Government of Punjab’s efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of air pollution and promote preventive measures. This includes outreach to journalists and the public, as well as advocating for stronger government action on emissions reduction. However, Fadil emphasized that more needs to be done, particularly in terms of enforcing existing regulations and investing in long-term solutions.
“Every child has the right to clean air. Children’s health and their right to education must be protected. The Government of Pakistan must take urgent action to ensure that every child has a future free from the harm of toxic air.”
Abdullah Fadil
A Global Responsibility
With the global community increasingly focused on climate change, COP29 offers an opportunity for governments to turn promises into action. Fadil urged world leaders to use this platform to commit to meaningful steps that protect children from the worst impacts of environmental degradation.
“The world cannot afford to let its babies breathe toxic air. We cannot afford to let the health, education, and well-being of millions of children suffer,” he said. “For the sake of our children and their future, we must take urgent action today.”
As the air quality in Pakistan continues to deteriorate, the time for action is now. Without swift and sustained intervention, the health and development of a generation of children hang in the balance.
Key Facts
- Over 11 million children under five are exposed to hazardous air quality in Punjab.
- Air pollution levels in Lahore recently exceeded 1,000 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), far above the hazardous threshold of 300.
- Children under five are particularly vulnerable to respiratory diseases and cognitive damage caused by air pollution.
- Nearly 16 million children in Punjab have had their education disrupted due to the smog and school closures.
- WHO reports that air pollution can lead to strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases, with children and the elderly most at risk.
- UNICEF calls for urgent government action to reduce emissions and protect children’s health and education.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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