LAHORE: In response to hazardous smog levels, the Punjab government has closed schools in the province’s most affected districts until November 17, and mandated the use of masks in these areas.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced this decision on Wednesday, emphasizing the urgency of protecting public health as pollution levels reach critical levels.
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.
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.
Additionally, the government is revising regulations on crop burning practices, which are a significant contributor to the pollution. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is currently in Geneva for medical reasons and is expected to return by November 12.
Lahore, in particular, faces an unprecedented air quality crisis. 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.
