Pakistan: Lockdown in Lahore, Multan amid smog concerns

Pakistan’s Punjab government imposed a lockdown in Lahore and Multan for three days a week due to worsening smog conditions, ARY News reported.

The smog situation will be monitored on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

ARY News reports, Pakistan’s Senior Minister for Information and Environment Protection Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a press conference, emphasised the severe health risks posed by smog, comparing it to the dangers experienced during COVID-19.

She announced a complete ban on construction activities in Lahore and Multan starting from November 16 for one week.

She stated that long-term strategies to address pollution, including regulating motorcycle and rickshaw emissions, will be introduced after consideration. She said that inspections at petrol pumps will be conducted to ensure the quality of oil; non-compliance could result in pump closures, she said.

She further remarked that air pollution is a national issue, noting that previously, people would travel to mountainous areas for better air quality, but even these places, such as Murree, are now facing environmental challenges. The government is already taking action against encroachments in Murree, despite facing backlash.

(ANI)

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