Today, Namaz-e-Istisqaa, a special prayer for rain, will be held across Pakistan as worsening smog affects the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged citizens to participate in this prayer, highlighting its role in seeking relief for both the environment and public health.
The city of Lahore has now become the most polluted in the world, endangering the health of over 11 million children under the age of five. The pollution crisis in Pakistan is driven by several factors, including crop burning, vehicle emissions, and coal power plants. This severe air quality issue has forced authorities to take preventive actions, like closing schools and implementing a 50% work-from-home policy in heavily impacted cities.
This alarming rise in pollution levels has pushed leaders and communities to look for solutions beyond policy measures. The call for Namaz-e-Istisqaa reflects the country’s collective hope for rain, which could bring temporary relief by clearing the air and reducing the smog. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on the prayer underscores its importance not only as a spiritual measure but also as a sign of unity among Pakistanis during this challenging time.
This environmental crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices and stricter policies to address air quality and protect public health in the long term.
