Civil society organisations in Lahore called for a climate march on Monday to demand the government to act against climate change. The participants marched from Simla Pahari to Aiwan-i-Iqbal on Egerton Road.

Cladded in red clothes, as a symbol for climate emergency, the marchers held placards and chanted slogans such as, “Climate revolution, not pollution,” and “let us breathe.” Other placards called for curbing fossil fuel consumption, controlling pollution and tackling climate change.

A number of environmentalists and activists spoke on the occasion. Environmental lawyer Ahmed Rafay Alam took the stage to remind the government of its promise to minimize the use of coal-based energy. In an Instagram story posted by digital creator Ghazi Taimoor, Alam said, “We’ve gathered here to demand climate justice. Rich countries around the world spread greenhouse gases that effect poor countries and poor people like ours. We’re here to speak up against these injustices and inequalities.”

Member of the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee Farooq Tariq called for banning coal-based energy projects and appealed to the government to adopt sustainable energy methods and make Pakistan self-sufficient in energy. The march was announced after Lahore was ranked second among the top five cities in the world with bad air quality. The air quality index (AQI) under 150 is considered satisfactory by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and for Lahore it was recorded at 188, putting the city’s air quality under the category of “unhealthy.” India’s capital Delhi topped the list released by the US AQI.

Addressing the participants, Ayesha Ahmed of Haqooq-e-Khalq movement said that Lahore, which was once one of the most beautiful cities of the world, has now become the most polluted city because of the government’s negligence.

Prime Minister Imran Khan was criticized by the speakers for not attending the Glasgow Climate Change Conference COP26, taking place from October 31 to November 12.