LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced a complete three-day weekly lockdown in Lahore and Multan to combat worsening smog conditions.
The lockdown will take effect every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the smog situation being reassessed on other days. Authorities have warned that stricter measures could be implemented earlier if air quality further deteriorates.
Senior Minister for Information and Environment Protection, Marriyum Aurangzeb, compared the severity of the smog crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic during a press conference, emphasizing its life-threatening nature and the urgent need for precautionary measures to safeguard public health.
Starting November 16, all construction activities in Lahore and Multan will be banned for one week. Additionally, inspections at petrol stations will ensure compliance with fuel quality standards, with non-compliant stations facing closure. Aurangzeb also announced plans to introduce long-term strategies to tackle pollution, such as regulating emissions from motorcycles and rickshaws.
Addressing criticism of the Punjab government, Aurangzeb stated that controlling pollution requires collective responsibility from industries, vehicle owners, and the public. "Blaming the government alone won't resolve the issue. We will implement policies and ensure strict enforcement," she asserted.
Highlighting the broader impact of air pollution, she noted that even traditionally cleaner regions, such as Murree, are now facing environmental degradation. The government has already taken steps to address encroachments in Murree despite resistance.
The announcement comes amid increasing health and visibility concerns across Punjab due to smog. Aurangzeb revealed that over 600,000 people have experienced respiratory issues in the past week, with 65,000 hospitalizations reported.
As a response, the Health Department has been directed to take immediate action. Paramedical staff leaves have been canceled, OPD hours extended to 8 p.m., and Rescue 1122 services intensified to manage the crisis.
Aurangzeb urged citizens to take the smog seriously, describing the health risk as extreme, and advised against unnecessary motorcycle travel. The government has also sealed numerous shops, wedding halls, and restaurants while enforcing early market closures at 8 p.m. to mitigate smog levels.
This series of measures aims to address the escalating public health emergency and improve air quality across Punjab.
