Lahore is expected to see rainfall today (Monday) as toxic smog is now spreading to Pakistan’s other cities.
According to AccuWeather, the probability of precipitation in Lahore is currently 25 per cent while there is 6 per cent chance of thunderstorm.
Islamabad also experienced its first rain of the winter season today.
The development is a good news for Lahoris, who have been battling heavy smog for nearly a month.
As of now, the air quality of the city is hazardous.
AQI in Lahore, Multan and other cities
Lahore often topped the list of world’s pollued cities, however, today, Multan ranked as the most polluted city in the world.
Besides Lahore and Multan, a thick layer of smog shrouded Bahawalpur, Rajanpur and several other cities of Punjab.
What is govt doing to combat smog?
The Punjab government banned all outdoor activities in Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad till November 17.
Apart from this, a “complete ban” has been imposed on the entry of people in parks, zoos, playgrounds, monuments, museums and play lands in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Lodhran, Vehari and Khanewal.
Motorways Police on Sunday closed the road at different sections due to dense smog.
Citizens are advised to travel during the day – from 10 am to 6 pm – to avoid any untoward incident.
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency also ordered to install air purifiers across all districts of Punjab due to the toxic smog.
Schools are closed, workers have been told to stay home and people urged to stay indoors – part of a so-called “green lockdown”, which has also seen motorbike rickshaws, heavy vehicles and motorbike parking banned from hot spot areas.
Lahore High Court had ordered all the markets in the Punjab province to close by 20:00 each night, with complete closures on Sundays. Parks and zoos have also been shut until November 17.
