- The air quality in Multan got worse this morning with 1635 Al Qaeda.
- Lahore’s air quality index dropped to 569 by 1pm but remained within the hazardous zone.
- Reduced visibility due to smog causes traffic disruptions and accidents.
Punjab’s smog crisis has worsened with toxic air spreading to other cities in the province following Lahore’s fixed position at the top of global pollution maps.
The air quality index (AQI) in the provincial capital reached 860 on IQAir’s real-time list of most polluted cities today (Friday), which later dropped to 569 by 1pm but remained within the risk zone.
Meanwhile, the air quality in Multan was the worst at some point this morning at 1,635 AQC, a level very harmful to health.
According to the Swiss air quality monitor, anything above the 300 mark on the air quality index is considered a “danger.”
As thick smog shrouded the southern city, visibility was severely affected, resulting in the closure of the M3 motorway at Rajanna junction and the M4 motorway from Shorkot to Gojra.
Despite efforts to reduce pollution levels, the smog-filled air spread to other cities, with Multan being the worst affected after Lahore, followed by Faisalabad, where the Al Qaeda in Iraq index was recorded at 356, causing problems such as difficulty breathing among citizens. .
Environment protection officials have shut down several factories and mills contributing to air pollution during ongoing anti-smog operations in Faisalabad, while imposing fines and registering a case against one of the factory owners.
Furthermore, a restaurant was also closed and two people were arrested for violating smog prevention guidelines.
Traffic disturbances
The M2 motorway from Lahore to Sheikhupura, the M3 motorway from Lahore to Jaranwala and Faizpur to Durkhana, and the M4 motorway from Gojra to Abdul Hakim were closed to traffic.
The situation was similar in Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Khanewal and surrounding areas, where visibility dropped to very low levels, causing traffic disruption.
A road accident was also reported near Hiran Minar, where five vehicles collided with each other due to low visibility. At least five people were injured, three of whom were taken to Sheikhupura District Main Hospital in unstable condition.
Highway Police advised citizens to avoid traveling unnecessarily, and to prefer driving during the day with only the headlights on.
LHC orders markets to close by 8 p.m
In a related development, the Lahore High Court ordered the closure of markets by 8 pm and complete suspension of commercial activities on Sunday in the provincial capital.
The directives came while hearing various appeals against the lack of adequate measures to combat smog.
Moreover, the court ordered all private offices to adopt a two-day work-from-home policy and directed the authorities to take strict action against smoke-producing vehicles. It also directed Dolphin Police Force to work jointly with Lahore Police in this regard.
Life in the Punjab capital continues to be severely affected by rising smog levels, with air quality above healthy levels.
Deteriorating air quality in the province has increased health-related issues, with the Punjab Health Department confirming more than 55,000 eye infections in the province between October 21 and 27, while more than 7,000 people reported eye infections in Lahore alone.
The administration added that more than 6,000 people reported problems with the nose, ears and throat, and medical experts advised people in areas affected by smog to use more water.
Along with other steps to reduce smog, the provincial government’s Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a complete ban on public entry into all parks (public and private), zoos, playgrounds, historical places, monuments, museums and joy/play grounds effective November 8 (today). ),
A notification signed by Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the agency, stated that the order will remain in force until November 17 (Sunday) within the territorial jurisdictions of Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan districts.
Those who attempt to violate the orders will be punished under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Furthermore, the government also ordered the immediate suspension of all activities in schools across the province, days after announcing the closure of all schools up to higher secondary level in key divisions across the province due to dangerous smog levels.
Prohibited activities include parent-teacher conferences, school trips, sports activities, and any other school assemblies or on-campus events.
On Wednesday, the government directed schools in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan districts to move to online classes until November 17, while prioritizing public health amid rising pollution levels.
In addition to closing schools, Punjab has introduced a policy of mandatory wearing of masks in public places. Public and private offices have been directed to adopt a 50% work-from-home policy, and all government meetings will be held online until further notice.
Authorities have blamed Punjab’s worsening pollution crisis on neighboring India, as smog-laden air continues to press in from New Delhi. The Indian capital also retained its position as the second most polluted city on IQAir’s list.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, while addressing a press conference this morning, said that the Indian government is also concerned about the rising smog levels and also needs to work on resolving this issue. She said the government would reach out to all stakeholders to combat pollution.
It is noteworthy that the Punjab government had announced that the matter had been raised with New Delhi through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.