Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, faces record-high air pollution levels that have led the government to close primary schools for a week and introduce work-from-home mandates. The city reached an alarming pollution index of 1900, placing it at the top of the world’s most polluted cities list. The air’s PM 2.5 concentration—tiny particles harmful to health—measured at 450, a level deemed hazardous by global standards.
To protect citizens, Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb advised parents to ensure children wear masks and avoid outdoor activities. Additionally, hospitals in Lahore have been equipped with smog counters, and construction work has been restricted in specific areas to help lower pollution levels.
New Measures to Tackle Lahore’s Pollution Crisis
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| School Closures | Primary schools shut for one week |
| Work-from-Home | 50% of employees mandated to work remotely |
| Smog Precautions | Public urged to stay indoors, keep windows closed, avoid travel |
| Activity Restrictions | Ban on construction in specific areas and barbecue without filters |
| Transport Limits | Restricted use of motorized rickshaws |
| Wedding Hall Timings | Must close by 10 PM |
| Artificial Rain | Potential use to reduce air pollution |
With toxic smog affecting tens of thousands, particularly children and the elderly, Lahore is under a “green lockdown.” Rapid urbanization and loss of greenery in Lahore—once famed for its gardens—have worsened the crisis. The government is considering artificial rain to mitigate air pollution.