Islamabad, Nov 11: The Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has directed the Punjab Government to declare a state of emergency because smog has further escalated in Punjab.
Many districts have seen a significant increase in the number of people admitted to hospitals due to the high levels of air pollution.
In the past, some activities like the closure of functions including schools and parks have been less effective.
Traders are resisting the 8:00 PM early closure, making it challenging to reduce pollution further in the market sectors.
The governor emphasized the need for all institutions to work together to control the crisis.
Pollution levels are rising sharply in Lahore and other districts, prompting restrictions similar to lockdowns.
The provincial government has now banned outdoor activities in Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad, the districts most severely affected after Lahore.
These restrictions will remain until November 17.
Smog Crisis
An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notification reported that the AQI in these districts has surpassed 500, marking hazardous conditions.
As a result, the government has banned all outdoor activities—including sports, exhibitions, and outdoor dining—under Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997.
Markets and malls must close by 8:00 PM, though essential services like pharmacies, grocery stores, and medical facilities are exempt.
Religious gatherings and necessary rites are also allowed.
The government has enforced these restrictions from November 11th to 17th under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Lahore the world’s recently the most polluted major city and Multan with the worst air quality in the country.
In response, authorities shut down schools and limited people’s access to parks last week, but smog persists and has thickened in cities such as Bahawalpur and Rajanpur.
This scenario with the governor’s call for emergency measures to address the threats demonstrated the require of joint actions to save lives as Punjab is experiencing the severe environmental issues.
