Addressing the Smog Crisis: A Call for Collective Action and Structural Reform

As an?intervener and witness to the proceedings before the Lahore High Court ?for the past two years, I can acknowledge that the ?Honorable Court ?and relevant ?government institutions ?have indeed made efforts to address the issue of ?smog . However, there remains a significant gap in effectively tackling the root causes and, most importantly, in raising public awareness about the severe health impacts of smog on our vulnerable populations—especially the elderly and children.

We must recognize that ?smog is a problem we have collectively created . Thus, the solution also requires collective effort. It is not enough to rely solely on government actions or court directives. We, as citizens, must play our part in addressing this crisis.?

The foremost challenge in addressing smog lies in our perception that a ?court order, a Chief Minister’s directive, or a Commissioner’s action ?can single-handedly solve the problem. This belief is misguided. Real change requires the active ?participation of the masses , not just compliance but genuine ideological commitment and practical action. No directive or enforcement can create magic unless it is backed by the will of the people.

Smog is merely a ?symptom ; the real ailment is ?bad governance . Currently, we see a surge in government and civil society efforts to combat smog due to public pressure. But come February, once the smog season passes, attention will wane, and efforts will lose momentum. This seasonal concern reflects a reactive rather than proactive approach to governance. To truly make a difference, we must extend our concern beyond a few months and work consistently throughout the year.

Smog is a reflection of ?who we are as a society . It is easy to point fingers at the government, but how many of us take responsibility for our own actions? If each of us, as citizens, upheld values like ?excellence and integrity , we could see meaningful change. This applies not just to individuals but also to companies, government organizations, and society as a whole. Our collective character must align with principles of hard work, honesty, and responsibility?

Today, there is a widespread belief that ?money is the ultimate goal , often at the expense of values and ethics. While making money is necessary, it should not become the ?purpose of our lives . Instead, our purpose should be to ?uplift our society and nation . If we focus on building character and contributing to the greater good, prosperity will follow naturally.

Another misconception is that ?politicians or the establishment alone can transform the country . History has shown that nations are built on a ?shared ideology and the collective commitment ?of their people. Great nations are not created by a few individuals but through the dedication of an entire society. We need to ?educate and instill values ?in our young generation so that they grow into responsible citizens who can contribute to the nation’s greatness.

Finally, and most importantly, we must bring ?God into our lives ?by practicing Islam in its true spirit. If we seek to glorify our faith, Allah will glorify us. When we align our actions with Islamic values—honesty, integrity, compassion, and justice—we will not only solve the issue of smog but will also pave the way for a prosperous and just society.

In conclusion, addressing the smog crisis in Lahore and across Pakistan requires a fundamental shift in both governance and societal attitudes. The government must enforce regulations more effectively, but this alone will not suffice. We, as citizens, must change our mindset, prioritize ethical values, and commit to a long-term vision for the betterment of our environment and our nation.

Only by working together—citizens, civil society, and government—can we overcome the challenges we face. Let us transform this crisis into an opportunity to build a cleaner, healthier, and more just society.