Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has announced a series of immediate emergency measures in response to the worsening smog crisis in the province, including the declaration of a health emergency in Lahore and Multan. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Marriyum emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that air quality indices (AQI) in several cities, including Lahore, have reached hazardous levels, with Lahore’s AQI hitting an alarming 2800. She said the countries that curbed smog received a lot of cooperation from their citizens, urging people to stay at home on Saturday and Sunday. She also highlighted the role of actors, artists, the media in helping deal with the health menace. "To all the detractors, I will urge them to unite against smog. Considering all the circumstances, the decisions will be implemented from next week," the minister announced. The minister announced the following measures in view of the worsening smog in Lahore and other cities of Punjab: All brick kilns and furnace-based plants in Lahore and Multan have been shut down from Friday to curb emissions.

A complete lockdown will be enforced on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday if the situation does not improve by Wednesday.  Dining in at restaurants will be allowed only until 4pm, after which take-away services will be permitted. Holidays in schools, colleges, and universities across Punjab have been extended, except Murree, and they have ben ordered to shift to online learning.  Construction activities in Lahore and Multan have been banned from Friday.  Marriyum Aurangzeb further said that over 40,000 smog-affected individuals were being treated in hospitals, and urged citizens to limit outdoor activities and wear masks, particularly while riding motorcycles. A public campaign, 'Detox Lahore', has been launched to raise awareness about smog and its life-threatening impact, she announced. Aurangzeb highlighted the Punjab government's implementation of a 10-year climate change and smog policy, which includes transitioning brick kilns to zigzag technology to reduce emissions, promoting eco-friendly transportation through the introduction of e-bikes and electric buses in Lahore, providing subsidised super seeders to farmers to reduce stubble burning.

The minister stressed that smog is not limited to Pakistan but also affects Indian Punjab, highlighting the shared responsibility to tackle environmental issues. "Smog knows no borders; it’s a matter of life and death for both countries," she stated, urging cooperation to combat the crisis. Marriyum Aurangzeb appealed to citizens and the private sector to ensure compliance with the mask mandate and other measures. She warned of further restrictive actions if the smog situation does not improve by mid-week, with a possible lockdown extending to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Aurangzeb concluded by urging collective efforts, stating, "Countries that eliminated smog succeeded because of public cooperation. We need to do the same to protect our health and future." 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan