Smog continues to paralyse life in Lahore as city sits atop AQI ranking
1. City's hazardous air makes breathing difficult, leaving citizens prone to respiratory illnesses
**LAHORE** – Life in Punjab's capital, Lahore, remains critically affected as severe smog levels push air quality into the hazardous zone. For weeks, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained dangerously high, topping global rankings early Thursday morning with levels exceeding 800 and holding at 784 by 9 a.m., according to IQAir data.
Lahore's air quality has consistently been among the worst in the world, with AQI levels regularly exceeding 1,000, largely due to cross-border pollution carried by winds from neighboring India, Punjab's Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb noted on Wednesday.
The city’s prolonged exposure to hazardous air has led to a spike in hospitalizations for respiratory issues, affecting Lahore as well as nearby cities like Multan, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Gujranwala. The toxic air has made it difficult for residents to breathe, increasing their vulnerability to respiratory diseases and complicating daily life.
Medical professionals are urging Lahore's residents to wear masks outdoors. In response, the government has closed all educational institutions up to the higher secondary level in Lahore and other affected Punjab districts until November 17. Tuition centers and academies have also been ordered to suspend operations, with all educational activities moving online.
This decision, announced by Aurangzeb in a press conference, prioritizes public health amidst the pollution crisis. "Today, the AQI is 1,150. Yesterday, it was at 500, which is extremely dangerous," she explained, urging parents to keep children indoors and reinforcing that online classes are a precaution, not a holiday.
Additionally, Punjab has implemented strict measures, including a mandatory mask policy in public spaces. Both public and private offices have adopted a 50% work-from-home arrangement, and government meetings will be conducted online until further notice.
The government has also set specific targets for health, agriculture, and environmental departments to curb pollution. Lahore's newly established Smog War Room continuously monitors air quality and coordinates cross-departmental efforts to address the crisis.
