- Smog drifting from across border in India intensified pollution in Multan, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Gujranwala: Marriyum Aurangzeb
- AQI in Lahore recorded above 1,000 and smog intensity expected to continue for next 10 days
LAHORE: The Punjab government on Wednesday ordered closure of schools (primary to 12th class) in the province’s most affected districts until November 17, and issued an advisory to general public for wearing masks in these areas, in an effort to combat the deadly smog and alarming Air Quality Index (AQI).
Lahore faces an unprecedented air quality crisis as on Wednesday, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to an alarming 1,165, with certain neighborhoods like Defence Phase VIII, Davies Road, and Gulberg recording even higher levels of 1,696, 1,464, and 1,306, respectively, as per international air quality monitors.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced this decision at a presser on Wednesday, emphasizing the urgency of protecting public health as pollution levels assumed alarming proportions.
Aurangzeb highlighted that smog drifting from across the border in India has intensified pollution in Multan, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Gujranwala. “A letter addressing these concerns will be sent to the Foreign Office today with the objective to push Delhi take measures for addressing pollution sufferings”, she informed.
“The provincial government has also launched online classes to ensure students’ education continues and has implemented a 50% remote work policy for both public and private sector employees in affected regions,” she emphasized.
The senior minister told the press conference that burning of crop residue is contributing significantly to the smog. While there is a ban on plastic bags, violations continue to occur.
She mentioned that despite schools being closed for primary-level students, parents are taking children to shopping malls and entertainment areas. She also announced that the use of masks would now be mandatory.
Maryam Aurangzeb explained that winds from India’s Rajasthan and other regions have affected Multan and Gujranwala. The Air Quality Index in Lahore was recorded above 1,000 today, and the intensity of the smog is expected to continue for the next 10 days.
The senior minister also confirmed that 50% of staff in government and private offices would work from home, with all government meetings now taking place via Zoom. To combat the issue, all relevant departments have been given specific targets, and a Smog War Room has been set up at the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor air pollution levels.
In response to a question, Maryam Aurangzeb clarified that Maryam Nawaz Sharif had undergone throat surgery last year, and six months ago, she experienced a reoccurrence of an infection.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif is now in Geneva for treatment and will return to Pakistan on November 12. She emphasised that despite her health challenges, Maryam Nawaz Sharif had continued to serve the people of Punjab. She also clarified that the notion that Maryam Nawaz Sharif had gone to London due to smog was incorrect.
Lahore breathes in unprecedented levels of pollution
Air pollution levels in Lahore hit a record high on Saturday, with officials warning that the city’s air quality is nearly 80 times above the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) deemed “dangerous limit.”
The level of deadly PM2.5 pollutants – fine particulate matter in the air that causes the most damage to health – peaked at 610, with a reading above 15 in a 24-hour period considered unhealthy by the WHO.
For days, the city has been enveloped by smog, a mix of fog and pollutants caused by low-grade diesel fumes, smoke from seasonal agricultural burning and winter cooling.
The air quality index, which measures a range of pollutants, spiked at 1,067 – well above the level of 300 considered ‘dangerous’ – according to data from IQAir.
Face mask advisory
The Punjab government also issued an advisory to the general public to wear face mask in open public spaces of Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan divisions till January 31, 2025.
The notification issued in this regard mentions of the “recent spike in respiratory diseases due to smoke,” dust etc, advising that prevailing air pollution is posing a serious and imminent threat to public health.
“It is imperative to take all possible safety measures for prevention of morbidity and disease caused by deteriorating air quality,” the notification read.
