The Punjab government announced on Sunday that primary schools in Lahore will be closed for the coming week due to persistently hazardous smog levels.
A notice indicated that schools serving grades up to fifth will shut from November 4 to 9, addressing the severe smog in Lahore. This closure affects both private and public educational institutions.
Read: Lahore Eyes Three-Day Weekend for Schools Due to Smog Concerns
Lahore has topped the global air quality index (AQI) for over a week, posing significant health risks to its inhabitants. The city, home to 14 million people, suffers from smog compounded by low-grade diesel emissions, agricultural burning, and the onset of cooler weather.
On Sunday, the AQI in Lahore again surpassed 1,000, marking it the most polluted city worldwide. According to the Swiss air quality monitor IQAir, deadly PM2.5 pollutants reached 613, over 122 times above the World Health Organization’s threshold for unhealthy air.
Despite efforts to alleviate the condition, the smog persists. On October 30, the Punjab government initiated a “green lockdown” in pollution hotspots as a preventive measure.
Read: Lahore Implements Green Lockdown Due to Severe Smog
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who holds multiple roles, including environmental protection, addressed a press conference today in Lahore. She announced the extension of green lockdowns to two more areas next week due to unrelenting pollution levels.
She also warned that construction sites failing to adhere to environmental guidelines might face permanent closure. Marriyum emphasized the necessity of discussions with India, as transboundary pollution significantly contributes to Lahore’s smog.
“Local conditions also play a role, but the majority of pollution affecting Lahore is carried by winds from the neighbouring country, exposing citizens to methane,” she explained.
Read: Maryam Nawaz Calls for Cross-Border Efforts to Tackle Smog Crisis in Punjab
