LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has issued an emergency alert for Lahore residents due to hazardous air quality caused by smog drifting in from Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has advised citizens to wear masks and keep windows and doors closed as strong winds carry pollutants from neighboring regions.
Minister Aurangzeb reported that, with winds subsiding yesterday, Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) improved significantly from a hazardous 800 to 191. However, she cautioned that children and individuals with heart or respiratory conditions should avoid outdoor activities.
The Environment Minister highlighted that crop residue burning in nearby Indian regions has contributed to the heightened pollution levels, with strong winds worsening Lahore’s air quality further.
In light of the severe conditions, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has urged all citizens to wear masks. To protect children, school start times have been adjusted to 8:45 AM.
Parents and school administrations are encouraged to enforce safety measures, ensuring children wear masks when attending school. Aurangzeb emphasized that children’s health must be prioritized, advising parents to send their children to school only with proper protection.
Residents are encouraged to report environmental violations to Citizen 1373 to aid in controlling pollution levels across the region.
