Lahore, November 15, 2024- The worsening smog in Lahore and across Punjab has led to a rapid increase in health issues, with 1.9 million individuals seeking hospital treatment for various ailments so far.
According to a report issued by the Punjab Health Department, over 700,000 people developed respiratory illnesses in the first 14 days of November alone. The report highlights alarming statistics, revealing that smog has caused a surge in diseases such as respiratory disorders, asthma, heart problems, and strokes. In October, a staggering 1.93 million people were reported to have been affected by lung-related illnesses.
Global environmental monitoring reports ranked Lahore as the most polluted city in the world, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 800, surpassing New Delhi, which recorded a second-place AQI of 624. Among Pakistani cities, Lahore was followed by Multan, which reported an AQI of 755. The highest AQI in Lahore, 1414, was recorded in the Gulberg area.
Punjab’s Secretary for Environment expressed concerns about the deteriorating situation, warning that stricter measures, including a possible lockdown, might be necessary if conditions do not improve.
Meanwhile, authorities have intensified their crackdown on violations of smog-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Over the past 24 hours, 56 shops were sealed for staying open past 8 PM, 10 restaurants for outdoor dining, and three open barbecue points were shut down.
The smog continues to pose severe challenges to public health and environmental safety, with authorities urging strict compliance with regulations to mitigate its impact.
