LAHORE – The provincial government of Punjab has declared a “Smog Emergency” across the Lahore division after the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged past the hazardous 500 mark on Wednesday morning. The thick layer of gray smog has drastically reduced visibility on major motorways and caused a significant spike in respiratory illnesses among the city’s 13 million residents.
In response, the local administration has ordered the closure of all schools for three days and implemented a “Work from Home” policy for 50% of the private sector workforce. Authorities have also intensified a crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles and industrial units that have failed to install scrubbers.
“The situation has reached a critical point. We are forced to take these drastic measures to protect the health of our children and the elderly,” the Provincial Environment Minister told reporters. She added that artificial rain (cloud seeding) is being considered as a short-term intervention if weather conditions permit.
Health officials have reported a 40% increase in asthma and throat infection cases in government hospitals over the last 48 hours. Medical experts have advised citizens to wear N95 masks and avoid outdoor activities during the early morning and late evening hours. “The particulate matter in the air is at a hazardous level. It’s not just an environmental issue anymore; it’s a public health crisis,” a senior doctor at Mayo Hospital stated.
Environmentalists blame a combination of cross-border crop burning, local industrial emissions, and the lack of green cover for the recurring crisis. While the government has introduced “Green Lockdowns” in specific hotspots, critics argue that long-term urban planning and a transition to electric vehicles are the only permanent solutions.
Law enforcement agencies have established special squads to monitor construction sites and ensure that all dust-producing activities are halted during the emergency period.
