Smog refuses to relent as AQI 673 again makes Lahore world’s most polluted city

The situation with respect to smog in Lahore continues to remain alarming as with the air quality index (AQI) recorded at 673, the city again emerged as the most polluted city in the world on Saturday, belying tall claims made by the Punjab government that it was coming down hard on people contributing to air pollution besides taking other measures, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The situation prompted the Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department to close schools, parks, zoos and recreational centers in Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad divisions until November 17.

Different sections of the motorway were also closed to traffic as smog coupled with fog reduced visibility considerably.   

Lahore to Sialkot motorway, M-2, from Lahore to Sial Morr, M-3, from Summundri to Darkhana, M-4, from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakim and M-5, from Sukkur to Multan, were all closed.

Spokesman for the Motorway Police advised motorists to prefer travelling during the daytime.  

Narowal, outskirts, remain blanketed in smog

The situation was no different in some other parts of Punjab, including Narowal, where smog reduced visibility on roads considerably, forcing the drivers to drive at a snail’s pace.

Earlier, the provincial government initially ordered the closure of primary schools so that children could be protected from extremely high levels of smog. And when the same situation persisted, it had to order the closure of colleges as well.

Reporters: Komal Aslam, Rana Faran Yamin and Yasir Arafat