Punjab's Plight: Smog Woes Worsen as AQI Soars

Severe smog has enveloped cities in Punjab, Pakistan, with Lahore labeled the most polluted globally. Transportation has been severely disrupted, including closed motorways and suspended trains. Authorities are taking stringent measures by closing factories and imposing travel restrictions, while meteorologists link the crisis to winds from Indian cities.

A thick blanket of smog continued to suffocate several cities in Pakistan's Punjab province on Saturday, further spreading its toxic reach and causing severe disruptions in transportation. Lahore remained perched atop the list as the world's most polluted city, mired in dense haze with no signs of abatement. Train schedules were grounded, motorways shut, and authorities forced to impose lockdown-like measures, as reported by the Express Tribune.

Multan was not far behind Lahore, registering an alarming Air Quality Index of 2135. Meanwhile, cities like Peshawar and Islamabad also reported dangerously high pollution levels. The haze grew denser as air movement around Lahore slowed to a mere 4 km per hour, with Multan registering a slight uptick at 6 km per hour. Meteorologists attributed the worsening conditions to easterly winds originating from Indian cities such as Chandigarh, Saharanpur, Delhi, and Jodhpur, thereby exacerbating pollution levels without immediate relief in sight.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, authorities implemented widespread closures and restrictions, including shutting parts of the motorway network. The M-5 Motorway from Multan to Zahir Peer has been temporarily closed due to significantly reduced visibility. Motorway officials have cautioned drivers against unnecessary travel, especially after dusk, and recommended travel during less severe fog conditions from 10 am to 6 pm. Safety advisories include the use of fog lights and safe distancing between vehicles, as per the Express Tribune's report.

The Punjab government has also initiated an anti-smog operation addressing transport disruptions and pollution sources. Measures include road water sprinkling and waste removal, sealing factories emitting pollutants, and demolishing illegal brick kilns. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has urged public cooperation, emphasizing that 'skipping school does not equate to a holiday' and safety measures should be diligently followed.

Further efforts to mitigate air pollution involve inspecting private institutions, impounding non-compliant vehicles, and fining violators, highlighting the severe crackdown on pollution, according to reports from the Express Tribune and ANI.

(With inputs from agencies.)