Pakistan AQI: Schools closed, 3-day lockdown... 'Pollution bomb' exploded not only in Delhi but also in Lahore and Multan, AQI crossed 2000

Pakistan's Punjab province is suffering from air pollution these days. Given the ever-increasing Air Quality Index (AQI), the Punjab government has imposed a health emergency in smog-affected cities like Lahore, and Multan. Many more big decisions have been taken to deal with pollution.

Senior minister in the Punjab government Maryam Aurangzeb spoke to the media on this problem in Lahore on Friday (15 November 2024). He said that the issue of smog has turned into a health crisis. Many tough steps are necessary to deal with this. He also announced the 10-year climate change policy of the government of Punjab province in Pakistan. It includes issues like floods, natural disasters, and rehabilitation.

The AQI here has gone above 2 thousand twice.

According to a report by Pakistani TV channel Geo News, the situation is most serious in Punjab's capitals, Lahore and Multan. The AQI here has gone above 2,000 twice. Lahore continues to be among the most polluted cities in the world regarding poor AQI.

A three-day lockdown has also been imposed.

The report quoted Minister Maryam Aurangzeb as saying there will be a complete lockdown in Multan and Lahore three days a week - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Not only this, construction work is also banned for a week.

Schools will remain closed, and rules for factories also change.

The Punjab government there has imposed a health emergency in Lahore and Multan as a precaution and ordered the closure of schools. Apart from this, instructions have been given to close restaurants, shops, markets, and shopping malls in Multan and Lahore by 8 pm. According to the report, restaurants in Lahore and Multan will currently serve till 4 pm. However, takeaway service will continue till 8 pm.