Lahore is grappling with unprecedented air pollution levels that have left hundreds hospitalized and prompted drastic governmental measures, highlighting a growing public health crisis.
Record Air Pollution Forces Lahore Residents to Stay Indoors
Record Air Pollution Forces Lahore Residents to Stay Indoors
Severe smog in Pakistan's Lahore leads to mass school closures and health advisories.
Lahore, the capital of Punjab and Pakistan’s second-largest city, has recently experienced its worst air quality ever recorded, leading authorities to shut down primary schools and recommend that residents stay indoors. This toxic haze, classified as hazardous by international standards, has resulted in severe respiratory issues among the populace, causing chest pains and overwhelming discomfort.
The provincial government has implemented several urgent measures, including banning certain vehicles, shuttering polluting businesses, and expanding school closures. As of this week, students in both primary and secondary schools have been ordered to stay home until at least November 17, affecting around 70 million people in Punjab.
“The air feels thick, and it’s exhausting just to breathe,” shared Safdar Masih, a local gardener, conveying the struggle residents face as the smog infiltrates homes despite efforts to seal them. The air quality in Lahore reached alarming levels, with reports showing it had the worst air quality of any city globally according to IQAir, a Swiss monitoring company.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, a senior government official, described the situation as “critical,” warning that the poor air quality might persist for an extended period, urging residents to wear masks when necessary. Experts agree that immediate and long-term measures are essential to combat this environmental crisis that poses significant health risks.
The provincial government has implemented several urgent measures, including banning certain vehicles, shuttering polluting businesses, and expanding school closures. As of this week, students in both primary and secondary schools have been ordered to stay home until at least November 17, affecting around 70 million people in Punjab.
“The air feels thick, and it’s exhausting just to breathe,” shared Safdar Masih, a local gardener, conveying the struggle residents face as the smog infiltrates homes despite efforts to seal them. The air quality in Lahore reached alarming levels, with reports showing it had the worst air quality of any city globally according to IQAir, a Swiss monitoring company.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, a senior government official, described the situation as “critical,” warning that the poor air quality might persist for an extended period, urging residents to wear masks when necessary. Experts agree that immediate and long-term measures are essential to combat this environmental crisis that poses significant health risks.
