Lockdown in Lahore and Multan as govt declares ‘all-out war’ against smog

LAHORE; – In many parts of the country, smog continues to have a debilitating effect on people’s health and daily activities. Lahore remained one of the worst polluted cities with an average air quality index (AQI) of 766 on Saturday. Lahore’s DHA area had an AQI of 1,324, Gulberg’s Marat Ali Road (1,210) and Ghazi Road Interchange.(850) Lockdown in Lahore, Multan All educational institutions in Lahore and Multan will remain closed for the next few days with instructions regarding arrangements for online classes. Food and beverage outlets will be open till 4pm and takeaway will be available till 8pm after which businesses will close. Doctors and health department officials have been given leave.Canceled to respond to emergencies at hospitals. On Friday, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb imposed a health emergency in Lahore and Multan to deal with smog. The minister said that there may be a lockdown in both the cities next Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, he said that the city.remained engulfed with hazardous level of smog. “The chief minister had already made a 10-year plan in March to combat smog,” said Marriyum Aurangzeb, who also holds the portfolio of environment. She said smog had become a national disaster. She said the departments concerned were consulted before formulating the 10-year plan.