LAHORE: Severe smog has once again made provincial capital of Punjab the most polluted city in the world.
The air quality index (AQI) in Lahore on Wednesday was recorded at 432. PM2.5 concentration in Lahore was currently 79.6 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.
The Punjab govt has imposed environment and health emergency in Lahore division and different other districts of Punjab. Section 144 will remain imposed in Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Norowal, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahab and Sialkot.
From November 9-12, all educational institutions, public and private offices, cinemas, parks and restaurants will remain closed. However, markets will remain closed on Saturday. Bakeries and medical stores will remain open during this period. Buses and vans will keep on running on roads.
Schools, offices, restaurants and businesses, aside from priority services like pharmacies, hospitals and courts, would all close to limit residents’ movement outside, according to a directive from the provincial government.
In the provincial capital of Lahore, air quality was the worst in the world on Wednesday according to Swiss group IQAir, with the air quality index at a “hazardous” 432, followed by India’s capital Delhi at 302 and Karachi at 204. –Agencies