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Lahore: Over 11 million children under the age of five in Punjab, Pakistan, are in danger as they continue to inhale toxic air, UNICEF has warned. The persistent smog in the region has raised concerns about the well-being of these young children, particularly in the most affected districts.
According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, air pollution levels have reached unprecedented heights in cities like Lahore and Multan, exceeding the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines by over 100 times. The severity of the pollution has resulted in hundreds of hospitalizations, including dozens of children, and the smog’s extent is so vast that it is now visible from space.
Even before this alarming increase in pollution, air pollution accounted for about 12 percent of deaths in children under five in Pakistan. The severe smog is expected to have devastating effects, especially on children and pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to their physiological characteristics.
Young children, with their smaller lungs and faster breathing rates, are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. The inhalation of pollutants can lead to life-threatening respiratory diseases and can also have long-term impacts on cognitive development by damaging brain tissue. Pregnant women exposed to polluted air face increased risks of premature births and low birth weight in their babies.
In response to the hazardous air quality, schools in affected areas have been closed until mid-November, impacting the education of nearly 16 million children. This disruption adds to the existing educational challenges faced by Pakistan, where 26.2 million children are already out of school.
UNICEF emphasizes that every child has the right to clean air and education, urging the Government of Pakistan to ensure these rights. The organization is actively participating in awareness campaigns as part of the Government of Punjab’s efforts to mitigate smog. These measures include public outreach on air pollution prevention and collaboration with government departments to reduce emissions through renewable energy transitions.
UNICEF stresses the necessity of reducing emissions from agricultural and industrial activities and promoting sustainable energy and transportation. Strengthening and enforcing existing emissions regulations is crucial for safeguarding children’s health.
With COP29 approaching, UNICEF calls for urgent climate action to protect children’s health and well-being. The agency insists on immediate measures to prevent further suffering and to secure a healthier future for the coming generations.
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