Dense smog chokes Pakistan’s Punjab province

Punjab Schools Management has announced the closure of all schools for two days in three districts of Punjab as due to dense smog which turns air ‘very unhealthy’.

The schools will remain closed on November 15 and November 16, according to a notification issued by the school education department.

Lahore is choking once again as smog reappeared in the city on Tuesday night. Air quality levels across the city rose and people started to panic.

Lahore once again became the second most polluted city in the world after India’s Delhi.

The rise in smog often coincides with a rise in numerous health concerns, including asthma, lung damage, bronchial infections, and heart problems and shortened life expectancy.

Earlier on Thursday, The Punjab government had announced the closure of schools as smog has once again severely hit the provincial capital, Lahore, with Air Quality Index reaching 455.

According to the details, severe fog is prevailing in various areas of Lahore, Johar Town, Faisal Town and Wapda Town. Whereas in Gulberg, Green Town, Mall Road, Jail Road, Lakshmi Chowk and Canal Road witnesses sever smog.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Bazdar has directed all concerned departments to intensify their campaign against smog and ordered strict implementation of a ban imposed on the burning of tyres.

According to MeT dept, the smog has reduced visibility to less than 1 km, while the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 455 in Lahore.

The motorway police have instructed the drivers to reduce speed and ensure switching on fog lights to avoid mishaps, sources said.