Lahore Faces Weekend Lockdowns Amid Severe Smog Crisis

As Lahore experiences its worst cold-weather smog in years, authorities have enforced weekend lockdowns and early closing times on businesses, reshaping the city's lively evening culture and impacting its residents’ daily rhythms.

In the bustling city of Lahore, known for its rich culture and vibrant nightlife, recent air quality has plummeted to alarming lows, prompting the government to impose stern measures aimed at combating severe pollution. With a population of 14 million, Lahore is accustomed to bustling evenings filled with market activity and celebratory weddings. However, the emergence of "the fifth season"—a term locals have coined for the intense winter smog—has led to restrictions reminiscent of earlier Covid-19 lockdowns.

As the din of markets and the aroma of street food fill the night air, the severe smog has forced authorities to introduce strict curfews. Outdoor barbecues have been outlawed, and iconic parks and historical sites are closed. Most significantly, establishments such as markets and wedding venues must now shutter by 8 p.m., stifling the local economy’s vibrancy. Traders like Chaudhry Kabir Ahmed from Ichhra market express frustration, stating, "It's hard to change people’s habits so quickly," while facing potential fines for operating after the new curfew.

Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, has been ranked among the world’s most polluted cities. Recent statistics from IQAir indicate record pollution levels, peaking at a staggering 1,100 on the Air Quality Index, contrasting sharply with the "unhealthy" threshold of 150. As the situation worsens, full lockdowns are set to begin this weekend, further altering the rhythms of a city that traditionally comes alive after dark. Residents face a challenging winter ahead as their beloved nightlife is gradually suppressed by the choking haze.