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About 1.93 people across the province experienced respiratory diseases and heart problems amid thick smog in Lahore and other cities.
A lockdown can be imposed in the Punjab province if the smog situation did not improve. (AP)
Pakistan’s Punjab province on Friday declared a health emergency due to toxic smog, banning construction activities, shutting schools for another week and moving universities online, according to senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
The Punjab government has imposed a “health emergency” in Lahore and Multan districts to combat dense smog blanketing the province of about 130 million population for the last few weeks, Aurangzeb informed on Friday, while announcing a slew of measures to combat the growing pollution.
“Smog is currently a national disaster,” Aurangzeb said. “It will not all be over in a month or a year. We will evaluate the situation after three days and then announce a further strategy.”
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Nearly two million people across the Punjab province experienced breathing problems, asthma, heart diseases, stroke, conjunctivitis and other respiratory diseases during record-breaking smog in the province this month, Dawn reported. The Punjab healthcare department data showed 1.93 million cases were reported in the province, with over 126,000 in Lahore.
Dense smog, caused by toxic pollutants, has engulfed several cities in Punjab over the past few weeks, with Lahore and Multan being the worst hit. The AQI in Multan has already crossed 2,000 twice – a record-breaking increase in pollution from previous years.
The provincial government’s measures like shutting schools and prohibiting visits to recreational places appear to have no effect on smog. The Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) said the PM2.5 particulate matter increased by 25 per cent this year as compared to 2023. The average pollution level also went up by 23 per cent as compared to last year.
“A complete lockdown will be enforced on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (next week) if the situation does not improve by Wednesday,” Aurangzeb said as AQI readings in Lahore reached 637 at 3 pm on Friday.
Restrictions In Place
The provincial government has put in effect strict measures to combat pollution, including school closures and shifting to online classes. It has also imposed a ban on most outdoor activities till November 17 in eight districts engulfed by toxic air.
Authorities have already banned entry to parks, zoos, playgrounds and other public spaces. Dining in restaurants, shops, markets and shopping malls had been directed to close by 8 pm. Construction activities have been in Lahore and Multan, where restaurants are allowed to operate only till 4 pm.
Punjab has blamed its toxic air this year on pollution wafting in from India, where northern parts have also been battling hazardous air, and has said it will take the issue up with the neighbouring country through its foreign ministry.
(with inputs from agencies)
- Location :
Lahore, Pakistan
