Punjab’s smog crisis has worsened significantly, with Lahore consistently ranking among the world’s most polluted cities. On Friday, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) peaked at a hazardous level of 860, before slightly dropping to 569 by midday. Despite this, it remained well within the “hazardous” category, posing severe health risks.
Alarming Air Quality Across Punjab
- Multan recorded an alarming AQI of 1,635 this morning, making it the worst affected city in the province.
- Faisalabad faced severe pollution as well, with an AQI of 356, leading to respiratory issues among residents.
- Road Closures: Thick smog reduced visibility, leading to the closure of several major motorways, including M2, M3, and M4, and causing traffic disruptions across cities like Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, and Khanewal.
Health Crisis and Government Response
The Punjab Health Department reported a surge in health issues linked to smog:
- Over 55,000 cases of eye infections were reported in the province from October 21-27.
- More than 6,000 people reported nose, ear, and throat problems in Lahore alone.
In response, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued new directives to combat smog:
- Markets must close by 8 PM, and trade activities are suspended on Sundays.
- Work-from-home policies have been implemented for private offices, and smoke-emitting vehicles are being targeted in a crackdown.
- Schools in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan have transitioned to online classes until November 17, and all on-campus activities have been suspended.
Public Spaces and Mask Mandate
To curb exposure to toxic air, the government has introduced new restrictions:
- A mandatory mask policy is now in effect for all public spaces.
- Public parks, zoos, and monuments have been closed until November 17 in affected divisions.
- The authorities have also imposed a 50% work-from-home policy for both public and private offices.
Blame on Cross-Border Pollution
The Punjab government has attributed the worsening smog to pollution from neighboring India, particularly New Delhi, which ranks as the second most polluted city in the world according to IQAir. Punjab’s Information Minister, Azma Bukhari, emphasized the need for cooperation between India and Pakistan to address the shared environmental crisis.
The provincial government plans to escalate the matter through diplomatic channels, involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss air pollution control with New Delhi.
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