Lahore, Pakistan – As Pakistan grapples with a severe air pollution crisis, a senior politician has faced public backlash for traveling abroad.

The Punjab government has declared a health emergency and is considering a three-day lockdown due to the worsening air quality caused by the burning of agricultural residue, vehicle emissions, and smoke trapped by winter weather conditions. The air quality index (AQI) in Lahore, the province's largest city, has exceeded 1,500 this week, with PM2.5 levels reaching more than 77 times the safe limit set by the World Health Organization.

Punjab has attributed the particularly high pollution levels this year to toxic air imported from neighboring India.

While residents suffer from severe health problems, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has come under fire for traveling to London. Recently elected leaders were spotted strolling in Switzerland and addressing party members in London. Sharif has justified her trip, stating that she was seeking treatment for a parathyroid condition.

Angry netizens have criticized the timing of the politician's visit. Pakistani actress Simi Raheel expressed her frustration on Instagram, saying, "Lahore is dying, and nobody is trying to save it. Everyone can go to London."

The iconic Minar-e-Pakistan monument in Lahore is shrouded in smog.

Domestic air quality experts have questioned the political will to address the crisis. Avid Omar, founder of the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI), stated, "This is a public health emergency, and the government needs to treat it as an emergency. We have been saying for years that we have a public health emergency, but leaders have yet to respond adequately."

Omar urged a ban on Pakistan's major pollution sources. "It is now at a dangerous level and the government has declared an emergency, but there are still no actions to show that intent," he told The Independent.

On the social media platform X, one user stated, "Maryam Nawaz is breathing the fresh air of the Swiss Alps while Punjab is suffering from carcinogenic smog and pollution." Another X user commented, "Maryam Nawaz is breathing fresh air while millions suffer from colds, coughs, and headaches."

The controversy highlights the growing frustration among Pakistanis as they grapple with the severe health impacts of air pollution, while their leaders are criticized for their perceived lack of action and prioritization of personal interests.