LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced the closure of government and private primary schools in Lahore for a week as the city grapples with deteriorating air quality.
Addressing a press conference here in Lahore on Sunday, Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that winds from India have contributed to the increased smog levels in Lahore.
She said that air pollution, resulting from crop residue burning and smoke in India, has intensified since yesterday.
“When the wind carried smog from Amritsar and Chandigarh to Pakistan, it created a severe situation, with Lahore being the most affected area,” she stated.
Aurangzeb said that the Punjab government has taken significant steps to address the smog issue. For the first time in eight months, all relevant departments have convened to create an action plan, which is being strictly implemented.
The air quality index (AQI) in Lahore has surpassed 1000, with some areas recording an AQI of up to 1900 since yesterday.
According to the global website Air Quality Index (IQAir), Lahore AQI has surpassed the 1073 mark and reached a hazardous level.
During her briefing, she urged the public to take precautionary measures during this smog crisis.
She said that enforcement teams are actively monitoring the situation, with arrests being made for violations of smog SOPs.
Maryam Aurangzeb said that the smog issue cannot be resolved without dialogue with India, likening the situation to a cross-border crisis. “No concessions will be made for smog violations,” she added.
She announced the closure of primary schools in Lahore for a week to help control the smog situation.
