Lahore remains engulfed in a thick blanket of smog and fog. It is ranked as the second most polluted city in the world, following New Delhi.
On Wednesday morning, the air quality index (AQI) for Lahore surged to a concerning 510. This alarming pollution has significantly increased respiratory illnesses, breathing difficulties, throat infections, and eye irritation.
As the pollution intensifies, Lahore continues to be the most polluted city in Pakistan, with Multan closely behind. The AQI in Multan has also surged to 425. The worsening air quality has caused a rise in respiratory and eye-related issues, especially among children. In response, the Children’s Hospital in Multan has set up a dedicated “smog ward” to accommodate the growing number of patients.
Read: Smog Crisis Worsens: Multan Joins Lahore in Facing Severe Air Quality Decline
The heavy fog and smog have severely reduced visibility, leading to the closure of major motorways around Lahore. Motorways M2 (Lahore to Kot Momin), M3 (Lahore to Darkhana), M4 (Pindi Bhattian to Multan), M5 (Rahim Yar Khan to Rohri), and the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway have been shut down.
A spokesperson for the Motorway Police has urged drivers to exercise caution. They recommend using front and rear fog lights to avoid accidents, reduce speed, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
With dangerously high pollution levels, officials urge citizens to limit outdoor activities and take preventive measures. This is especially important for children and the elderly, who are at higher risk.
