Smog crisis: School holidays extended, Punjab to go for full lockdown

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has announced a series of immediate emergency measures in response to the worsening smog crisis in the province, including the declaration of a health emergency in Lahore and Multan.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Marriyum emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that air quality indices (AQI) in several cities, including Lahore, have reached hazardous levels, with Lahore’s AQI hitting an alarming 2800. 

She said the countries that curbed smog received a lot of cooperation from their citizens, urging people to stay at home on Saturday and Sunday. She also highlighted the role of actors, artists, the media in helping deal with the health menace. 

Marriyum said she put on a mask and went out in Lahore personally and found people having fun. “People do not understand that smog can cause death; they travel on cars and motorcycles without masks. The private sector should ensure mask ban,” she stressed.