Punjab govt announces four holidays as smog wave worsens

LAHORE: (Suno News) The Punjab government has announced four holidays in the current week, starting from Thursday [tomorrow] in view of smog in the province.

In a statement issued by the Punjab government, it has been said that all the government, semi-government and private offices, schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed.

It is to be noted here that Lahore, known as the city of gardens, has been affected by smog these days.

The atmosphere of the city has become so polluted that it has become nearly impossible to breathe. Due to the lack of rain in Lahore, the air pollution has increased to an alarming level.

The use of masks has also been made mandatory in schools due to smog.

For the past several days, Lahore has been ranked first among the most polluted cities in Pakistan.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) has been recorded at 358 in the morning while the air pollution increases to 383 in the evening.

The minimum temperature in Lahore has been recorded at 27 degrees Celsius.

Rain is likely in Lahore city in the days to come, according to the Meteorological Department.

Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that Lahore was currently the most polluted city in the world.

“This is not good for those living in Lahore. A detailed consultation was held today on this matter. Children are having issues with smog. Burning of crop residues in India is causing more smog,” he added.