British diplomat draws attention to severe air pollution in Lahore

Lahore: Clara Strandhog, the head of the British High Commission Office in Lahore, has drawn attention to the severe air pollution in the city, emphasizing the urgent need to address the causes, particularly in the transport sector.

In a tweet, Strandhog shared her personal experience, revealing that after spending just three hours outside in November, she suffered severe chest pain, compelling her to spend an entire day indoors for recovery.

Taking to X, she wrote, “After just 3 hours outside in November, I had severe chest pain and I had to spend a whole day inside to recover. Lahoris are breathing these toxins every day. We need to address the causes in the transport sector - the fuel and vehicles that are simply not fit for purpose,”.

After just 3 hours outside in November, I had severe chest pain and I had to spend a whole day inside to recover. Lahoris are breathing these toxins every day. We need to address the causes in the transport sector - the fuel and vehicles that are simply not fit for purpose. https://t.co/d8Dn3yPgeT

— Clara Strandhoj (@CStrandhoj_FCDO) December 27, 2023

Strandhog called for a comprehensive approach to tackle the root causes of air pollution, pinpointing the transport sector's role in the issue. She specifically highlighted the need to address issues related to fuel quality and the fitness of vehicles. The tweet implies that the current state of the transport sector is contributing significantly to the air pollution crisis in Lahore.

As Lahore residents continue to grapple with the daily challenges of poor air quality, there is a growing consensus among environmental advocates, officials, and now international figures like Strandhog, urging swift and effective measures to alleviate this critical issue.