In a shocking turn of events, a three-year-old girl has taken legal action against the provincial government of Punjab, Pakistan, due to the severe air pollution affecting Lahore and other cities in the region.
The capital city of Lahore has been at the centre of this crisis, consistently ranked as the world’s most polluted city. As of Thursday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore was alarmingly high, surpassing 800, indicating an extremely hazardous level of pollution.
According to IQAir, a global air quality monitor, Lahore has often topped the list of cities with the highest AQI, even reaching over 1000 on several occasions. The smog, which has plagued the region for weeks, has created an unsafe environment for residents. The thick haze has not only made it difficult to breathe, but it has also led to an alarming increase in hospital visits, particularly for respiratory issues.
Citizens have been advised to remain indoors as much as possible to avoid the dangers of the polluted air. Hospitals in Lahore are overwhelmed with patients, particularly those suffering from asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
For the safety of the people, the provincial government has imposed a "smog emergency" in Lahore and other affected districts. Schools have been shut down up to the higher secondary level until November 17, as authorities attempt to control the situation.
Amidst this environmental disaster, Amal Sekhera, the young petitioner, has bravely approached the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking justice for herself and future generations.
Through her lawyer, the three-year-old girl filed a petition against the provincial government, accusing it of failing to manage and mitigate the harmful air pollution affecting the region.
The petition asserts that children and the elderly are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. It further points out that the provincial government has neglected its constitutional obligation to provide a clean and healthy environment for its citizens.
The petition specifically cites Article 99-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, which mandates the government to ensure the health and well-being of its people by safeguarding their right to a pollution-free environment.
The situation has become dire, with the Punjab government anticipating that the smog may persist for at least another ten days. Senior provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb has confirmed that the intensity of the smog is expected to continue, making it unsafe for people to go outside without proper protection. In light of this, health officials have reiterated the importance of wearing masks to prevent the inhalation of hazardous pollutants.
The smog crisis is not limited to Lahore. Other cities in Punjab, including Multan and Gujranwala, are also suffering from the same severe air pollution. The ongoing environmental disaster is a wake-up call to the government about the urgent need to address the underlying causes of air pollution in the region.
The legal petition filed by Amal Sekhera highlights a broader issue — the failure of the authorities to act swiftly and effectively in controlling air pollution and protecting public health.
It also draws attention to the role of young voices in holding governments accountable for their actions. By seeking justice, the young girl is becoming a symbol of resilience, advocating for a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
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