In brief
As Lahore, Pakistan, grapples with alarming levels of air pollution, the government has enforced drastic lockdown measures reminiscent of pandemic restrictions. The city's bustling evening markets and festive wedding celebrations are now dulled by a thick layer of smog, forcing local businesses into early closure.
In Lahore, which is home to 14 million residents, the evenings are typically alive with joy, as people frequent the lively markets and food streets. However, this winter's unprecedented smog crisis has led the government to impose strict regulations. Local businesses now face a curfew, with mandatory closures by 8 p.m. and a ban on outdoor grilling. Parks, zoos, and historical sites temporarily shut their doors, while complete lockdowns over weekends loom ahead, echoing the severe restrictions seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.“The city starts buzzing with activity after sunset, as people rush to shop and dine after work,” explains Chaudhry Kabir Ahmed, a traders' representative at the Ichhra market. “The sudden change in closure times disrupts established habits, and the authorities are quick to penalize any late openings.”Lahore, frequently cited as one of the most polluted cities in the world, has seen particulate readings soar, reaching an alarming 1,100 on the Air Quality Index this week—a level considered hazardous to health. Under normal circumstances, the city revels in its warm nights filled with commerce and celebration. But the choking air is squeezing out the vibrancy, commanding attention from both residents and officials as they scramble to respond to the ongoing crisis.
