Punjab banned most outdoor activities and ordered shops, markets and malls in some areas to close early from Monday to curb illnesses caused by intense air pollution.

The province has closed educational institutions and public spaces like parks and zoos until November 17 in places including Lahore, the world’s most polluted city in terms of air quality, according to Swiss group IQAir’s live ratings.

The districts of Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Gujranwala have seen an unprecedented rise in patients with respiratory diseases, eye and throat irritation, and pink eye disease, the Punjab government said in an order issued late on Sunday.

The new restrictions will also remain in force until November 17.

“The spread of conjunctivitis/ pink eye disease due to bacterial or viral infection, smoke, dust or chemical exposure is posing a serious and imminent threat to public health,” the Punjab government said.

While outdoor activities including sports events, exhibitions and festivals, and dining at restaurants have been prohibited, “unavoidable religious rites” are exempt from this direction, the order said.

Outlets like pharmacies, oil depots, dairy shops and fruit and vegetable shops have similarly been exempted from the directions to close by 8pm local time.

Lahore’s air quality remained hazardous on Monday, with an index score of more than 600, according to IQAir, but this was significantly lower than the 1,900 that it touched in places earlier this month.

A score of 0-50 is considered good.

Over 11 million children under five years of age are in danger: UNICEF

UNICEF on Monday also called for greater efforts to reduce pollution and protect children’s health in Punjab, saying that more than 11 million children under five years of age are in danger as they breathe the toxic air.

“In addition, schools in smog-affected areas have been closed…the learning of almost 16 million children in Punjab has been disrupted,” said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in the country.

“Pakistan, already in the grips of an education emergency…cannot afford more learning losses,” he said.

Several parts of South Asia are engulfed by a toxic haze each winter as cold air traps dust, emissions and smoke from farm fires.

Violators to be punished

According to Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza, major departmental stores are allowed to keep only their grocery and pharmacy sections open while all other sections must remain closed.

Precautionary measures against pollution have been issued under the Environment Protection Agency, with violations subject to action under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Weddings held in banquet halls can continue adhering strictly to previous time restrictions while restaurant dining will be permitted until 11pm. Violations of such orders will also result in penalties.

The deputy commissioner has urged the people to take precautions during the smog and advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outings and ensure the use of masks. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors, minimise outdoor activities, avoid unnecessary vehicle use, and opt for public transportation.

Multan ranks first among polluted cities

Multan emerged as the most polluted city in Pakistan during the daytime, with the AQI reaching an alarming 906. Following closely was Mangla, which recorded an AQI of 678 while Lahore dropped to seventh place in terms of pollution levels. Peshawar, on the other hand, saw its AQI decrease to 204.

Rojhan with a score of 812 was ranked the second most polluted city while Pindi Bhatian had a score of 384 and Rawalpindi had 275.

The provincial government claimed there has been a significant reduction in the burning of crop residues in Pakistan while satellite imagery indicated a high level of crop burning and smoke emissions in India.

One dead, six injured in road accidents

In Rahim Yar Khan, several traffic accidents caused by smog resulted in the death of one person and injuries to six others.

A man was killed and another injured when a bus collided with a car and a motorcycle on Shahbaz Pur Road due to poor visibility.

Moreover, the M-5 motorway has been closed at the Tanda Muhammad Pannah Interchange. The motorway police have advised travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys and to use fog lights while driving.

The road’s section from Rahim Yar Khan to Sukkur has also been closed. Visibility on the National Highway plummeted to between five to 10 metres.

In Mianwali and its surrounding areas, visibility has dropped to just 30 metres. Similar conditions are reported in Farooqabad and nearby regions.

Flights rescheduled

Visibility at the Lahore airport’s runway has dropped to 350 metres due to smog conditions. As a result, 14 domestic and international flights were delayed, with one flight being cancelled, sources said.

A Pakistan International Airlines flight from Dammam to Lahore was diverted to Islamabad and the Lahore to Karachi flight was cancelled.

A flight from Lahore to Jeddah faced a delay of five hours while a flight from Lahore to Colombo was delayed by six hours. Furthermore, another Lahore to Jeddah flight experienced a three-hour delay and a flight arriving from Jeddah to Lahore was delayed by three hours and 45 minutes.

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Punjab has blamed its toxic air this year on pollution wafting in from India, where northern parts have also been battling hazardous air, and has said it will take the issue up with the neighbouring country through its foreign ministry.

India’s Supreme Court on Monday directed the Delhi government to decide by Nov. 25 on imposing a perpetual ban on firecrackers, legal news portal Bar and Bench reported.

Firecrackers set off by revellers on Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrated on October 31 this year despite a ban, have aggravated the region’s pollution problem.