Lahore, (Newsman): Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Friday that a complete lockdown will be enforced in Lahore and Multan from Friday to Sunday due to the worsening smog conditions.
She also stated that the lockdown could be implemented earlier if necessary, and that a formal notification from the Environment Protection Department (EPD) will be issued soon.
The lockdown measures include a ban on all construction activities in Lahore and Multan divisions. Restaurants in both cities will close at 4 p.m., though take-out services will remain available until 8 p.m.
Additionally, universities and colleges across Lahore and Punjab will switch to online classes during this period.
A complete ban on kiln burning will also be enforced in Lahore and Multan to mitigate the hazardous air quality.
Minister Aurangzeb added that staff leave at health desks and hospitals has been canceled, and relevant departments have been instructed to ensure a steady supply of medicines.
Also Read: Punjab Govt Declares Health Emergency as Smog Crisis Hits Lahore and Multan
She urged citizens to avoid traveling outdoors on motorcycles unless absolutely necessary and advised them to wear masks for protection.
The senior minister emphasized that the government will review air quality data by Wednesday, noting that the smog situation has now become a health crisis. “The Punjab government is taking every possible step to combat smog and has introduced a 10-year policy to address its prevention,” she said.
Also Read: Air Pollution Sickens 1.9 Million in Punjab
Aurangzeb also highlighted the need for cooperation between Pakistan and India to address the smog crisis, stating, “We have called for initiating dialogue with India to tackle this issue.”
Lahore’s Air Quality:
On Friday, Lahore’s air quality remained “hazardous” for the 12th consecutive day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a staggering 810. This made Lahore the most polluted city in the world, according to IQAir, which tracks real-time air quality data. Delhi followed closely with an AQI of 649.