The failure of the provincial administration to tackle pollution resulted in Lahore once again being the most polluted city globally.
On Tuesday, Lahore’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 397, while Amir Town’s AQI was 444.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), there is no chance of rain in the next 24 hours, and the province capital is expected to continue to be covered in haze.
Health professionals have recommended that individuals use face masks when they are outside and refrain from making needless trips.
In an effort to solve the province’s pollution problem, the Lahore High Court earlier on Monday ordered the Punjab government to close all schools and universities on Saturdays. Additionally, the court recommended to companies a two-day remote work schedule.
The court also ordered the removal of the DG Environment Protection Department (EPD) for failing to curb smog.
According to the WHO, air pollution kills 4.2 million people around the world every year.
An AQI level of 400–500 impacts healthy people and is dangerous to those with existing diseases, while a level of 150–200 brings discomfort to people with asthma, lung, and heart problems. Levels of 0–50 are considered good.
