The Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department has announced the closure of all public and private schools and offices in Lahore division and Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Narowal districts from November 9-12 due to smog. This decision comes after the Punjab caretaker government declared a ‘smog emergency’ in the province and the Lahore High Court directed immediate measures to control hazardous air quality. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority also classified smog as a “calamity” and banned the burning of crop residue.
Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 447, which is considered unsafe for breathing according to global air quality monitoring platform, iqair.com. The notification from the health department also mentioned the increase in conjunctivitis due to bacterial or viral infection, smoke, dust, or chemical exposure.
The department ordered “restricted movement” in Lahore division, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Narowal districts due to the “highest air quality index” and potential hotspots for conjunctivitis due to smog. Markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools, and offices will all remain closed from November 9-12 in these areas. Limited movement to and from these areas by public and private transport was also specified with certain exemptions for pharmacies, medical stores, and petrol pumps.
Interim Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the provincial cabinet discussed the issues faced by citizens due to smog and declared November 9 as a public holiday. He also noted an increase in hospital patients due to the smog and the difficulty elderly people are experiencing in breathing. Naqvi emphasized that the situation can be controlled and reduced and assured that steps will be taken to improve conditions in the next four days.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority issued a smog advisory, warning that smog is likely to reach “dangerous levels” in central and south Punjab, including cities like Multan, Lahore, Bahawalpur, and Faisalabad. Other areas such as Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad may also be affected.