A street is shrouded in smog amid air pollution, during a morning in Multan, Pakistan, November 15, 2024.
Reuters
Pakistan’s Punjab province declared a “health emergency” on Friday in response to record-breaking smog, taking measures to curb the severe health impacts residents have endured for over a month.
Air quality in some cities, particularly Lahore, reached dangerous levels, with AQI readings above 2,000, well beyond the "hazardous" threshold of 300, according to data from IQAir.
Provincial officials ordered schools closed in major cities until Nov. 17, with extended closures in Lahore and Multan, where AQI levels have been the most severe. "These steps are necessary to protect public health and maintain safety," stated authorities.
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the health impact of the smog and called for collaborative efforts beyond borders. “We cannot shift the direction of the wind,” she said. “It is not about India and Pakistan; it is about the people of both countries. Both have to sit together to resolve this issue.”
In Lahore, where AQI hit a staggering 1,110 this week, officials mandated dining restrictions, ordering restaurants to close by 4 p.m. and limiting takeout services to 8 p.m.
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According to fresh directives from provincial officials, hospitals across Punjab have extended outpatient hours to 8 p.m. to accommodate the rising number of patients experiencing respiratory symptoms.
Marriyum said that 0.15 million people in Punjab reported respiratory issues in just the last month. However, greater efforts to reduce pollution suggest that nearly two million people sought medical attention for smog-related health problems.
People walk to board trains amid smog and air pollution at a railway station in Lahore, Pakistan November 14, 2024.Reuters
According to the minister, Lahore’s average AQI readings this week ranged between 478 and 1,110, with levels peaking at 2,000 at one point, placing Lahore among the most polluted cities in the world.
She urged residents to limit outdoor exposure, especially for vulnerable groups, and advised motorcyclists to wear masks.
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The provincial government also announced a full lockdown in Lahore and Multan next weekend, with officials warning that restrictions could come sooner if conditions worsen.
All construction activities are also suspended for one week beginning tomorrow to limit further dust and particulate matter in the air, it added.
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Earlier this month, UNICEF also called for greater efforts to reduce pollution and protect children's health in Punjab, saying that more than 11 million children under five years of age are in danger as they breathe the toxic air.
"In addition, schools in smog-affected areas have been closed...the learning of almost 16 million children in Punjab has been disrupted," said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in the country.
"Pakistan, already in the grips of an education emergency...cannot afford more learning losses," he said.
Several parts of South Asia are engulfed by a toxic haze each winter as cold air traps dust, emissions, and smoke from farm fires.
Smog prompts strict restrictions in Punjab
In response to worsening smog, the Punjab government has imposed stricter measures across the province, with significant restrictions in Lahore and Multan. A notification issued by DG Environment Imran Hameed Sheikh outlined the new rules, effective from November 16 to 24.
Schools and universities
Schools in all districts, except Murree, will remain closed until November 24. Universities and colleges in Lahore and Multan have shifted to online classes to limit in-person gatherings.
Construction and industry
All construction activities in Lahore and Multan are banned, except for national-level projects. Brick kilns and furnace industries in these cities have also been shut down.
Traffic restrictions
Heavy traffic is barred from entering Lahore and Multan to reduce emissions. Rescue 1122 services are instructed to prioritise assistance for smog-related cases.
Business operations
Restaurants in Lahore and Multan are allowed to operate dine-in services until 4 PM, with takeaway permitted from 4 PM to 8 PM. All restaurants must close entirely after 8 PM. Pharmacies, grocery stores, dairy shops, flour mills, and bakeries are exempt from these restrictions.
Healthcare measures
Hospitals in Lahore and Multan will keep their outpatient departments (OPDs) open until 8 PM. Leaves for doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff have been canceled to ensure the availability of medical personnel during this period.
These measures aim to mitigate smog’s impact on public health and reduce pollution levels during this critical time.
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