Unicef urges action as over 11m children face toxic smog in Punjab

Islamabad: The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef) Monday called for adopting urgent measures to reduce air pollution, as over 11 million children under five years of age were exposed to this smog in the worst affected districts of Punjab.

Abdullah Fadil, Unicef representative in Pakistan, said that air pollution levels broke records in Lahore and Multan last week, while several people, including dozens of children, were hospitalised.

Fadil expressed grave concern for the well-being of young children forced to breathe polluted, toxic air, and highlighted that over 11 million children under five are directly impacted in these districts.

“Prior to this surge, around 12 percent of deaths in children under five in Pakistan were attributed to air pollution,” Fadil stated, emphasising the potentially devastating effects on children and pregnant women due to the current “extraordinary smog.”

“Young children, with smaller lungs and less-developed immune systems, are especially vulnerable,” he added.

Fadil also highlighted the risk to pregnant women, who may face complications such as premature births, respiratory issues, and low birth weights in their babies due to polluted air exposure.

The Unicef representative urged the government to uphold every child’s “right to clean air” and stressed the need for immediate actions such as reducing emissions from agricultural and industrial sources, promoting sustainable energy, and enforcing stronger emissions regulations.

He emphasised the urgency of action, particularly with the upcoming COP29 conference.

In response to the smog, the Punjab government ordered a shutdown of markets and outdoor activities after 8pm until Nov 17, with only department stores and groceries exempt.

Violators will face penalties under the Punjab Environment Protection Act.

Major cities, including Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, continue to struggle with dangerous AQI levels, with Multan recording an alarming 950, Lahore at 560, and Rawalpindi at 254.

Schools in the main cities of Punjab have also been closed until Nov 17 in a bid to lower children’s exposure to pollution.