The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, on Wednesday declared the smog situation in the province extremely dangerous and called for a session of the assembly to address the issue.
He stressed that the current environmental conditions cannot be ignored, urging all parliament members to ensure their attendance at the session.
The severe AQI is causing respiratory illnesses among citizens, leading to symptoms like cough, fever, eye irritation, and sore throats.In Lahore, the Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to worsen, with the highest level recorded this morning at 511, rated as very unhealthy.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has also issued a public advisory, appealing parents and schools to ensure that children wear masks outdoors.
In the session today, government members from minority groups, along with the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, voiced their concerns regarding the Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs and questioned the inadequate security provided for their places of worship and during various religious events.
Moreover, MPA Hamida Waheeduddin presented a resolution advocating ban on certain activities during wedding ceremonies, such as dance and music, while also highlighting incidents of mistreatment toward transgender individuals and dancers at these events.
Malik Muhammad Khan also expressed frustration over reports of corruption, nepotism, and illegal contracts within the Department of Mines, pointing out the resulting damage to the infrastructure.
The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly also directed the Provincial Minister for Mines, Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, to ensure his presence at Wednesday’s session, which was adjourned until 11 AM the next day.
