In brief
As Lahore grapples with severe air pollution, emergency measures are being enacted to protect the health of its 13 million residents.
The air quality in Lahore reached alarming levels this weekend, with the city's Air Quality Index surpassing all previous records, leading to an urgent response from local authorities. The government of Punjab, which includes Lahore, has implemented strict measures such as closing all primary and secondary schools until November 17, while advising residents to wear masks when outside. Among the measures taken, officials have begun to stop and impound polluting vehicles, shut down brick kilns, ban rickshaws, and even limit some outdoor dining establishments. The situation has seen hundreds hospitalized with respiratory issues related to the toxic smog enveloping the city. "You can't do an eight-minute walk to your classes..." lamented a resident, highlighting the physical strain imposed by the hazardous air.On Thursday, the city was declared to have the worst air quality in the world, according to IQAir. With lingering smog that seeps indoors even with windows closed, the region's health risks are dire. Marriyum Aurangzeb, a senior minister, described the air quality crisis as 'critical,' with forewarnings of the potential for harmful conditions to persist for at least another ten days. The impact of the pollution is felt citywide, affecting daily life and prompting the local government to prioritize air quality restoration through immediate emergency actions.
