LAHORE: The provincial capital is once again engulfed in thick smog as the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched a hazardous level of 250 on Wednesday, placing the city among the most polluted in the world.
Environmental experts warned that the situation had turned alarming, describing it as a “public health emergency.”
Officials said the latest spike was partly caused by a toxic air mass drifting from across the border, adding to Lahore’s local emissions from traffic, industry, and crop residue burning.
HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED
Authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors, seal windows, and avoid unnecessary outdoor movement. A brief improvement in air quality is expected between noon and 5 PM, but forecasters warned that pollution levels will again rise sharply in the evening hours.
SQUADS LAUNCHED TO DEAL WITH CROP BURNING
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formed special surveillance squads to monitor, report, and curb crop residue burning across key agricultural regions and motorway corridors in the province.
According to an order issued by Director General Environment Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh (PAS), the teams will maintain round-the-clock vigilance under a three-shift system. The squads will focus on hotspot areas along the M-11, M-2, M-3, and M-4 motorways, as well as in district Kasur and nearby farming zones.
APPEAL FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said every citizen must play a role in reducing smog.
“While external factors exist, we must also take responsibility,” she said, urging the public to follow precautionary measures and cooperate with authorities.
She added that strict adherence to health and environmental guidelines could help minimise the harmful effects of this worsening crisis.
Last week, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had launched Pakistan’s first-ever Fog Cannon Fleet to combat smog and improve air quality.
Officials termed the initiative a major step towards a cleaner and healthier Punjab.
