Lahore has been ranked as the second most polluted city today in Air Quality Index (AQI), with air quality deteriorating significantly due to severe fog and smog. Authorities have closed several motorways at various locations across Punjab.

The Indian capital, New Delhi, toped the list today, recording an alarming AQI of 1091, while Lahore’s index reached 518 this morning.

The thick smog has created visibility issues, with some areas experiencing zero visibility.

Other cities in Pakistan also face serious air quality challenges, with Multan in second place, Islamabad in third, Rawalpindi in fourth, and Peshawar in fifth.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that most of Punjab’s plains are shrouded in dense fog and smog, and similar conditions are affecting many districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In addition, rain is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and the upper regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this evening, along with snowfall in mountainous areas.

Residents in the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should prepare for persistent smog in the morning and severe fog at night. Authorities advise caution while traveling and recommend minimizing outdoor activities.

Due to smog and fog in Punjab, several motorways have been closed at various points, disrupting traffic flow.

Visibility has significantly decreased, leading to the closure of Motorway M-3 from Lahore to Dera Ghazi Khan, Motorway M-4 from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem, and Motorway M-2 from Lahore to Sheikhupura.

A spokesperson for the motorway police stated that these closures are implemented to ensure public safety and secure travel. People are advised to prefer traveling during daylight hours, specifically between 10 am and 6 pm, which are the best times for travel in foggy conditions. Drivers are also encouraged to use fog lights both in front and behind their vehicles.

The motorway police urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during this time, refrain from speeding, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. For information and assistance regarding smog, individuals can contact the helpline at 130.

After the air quality index improved in Murree, the Punjab government reopened both public and private schools and colleges in the area.

The Environment Protection Agency, Punjab, Director General, Imran Hameed Sheikh, issued a notification stating that the schools and colleges in Murree are exempt from closure due to the low air quality index.

Additionally, considering outdoor sports events, a relaxation of lockdown measures has been implemented in Lahore and three other districts. The Department of Environmental Protection has issued a notification confirming that preplanned sports activities will continue in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. However, children under 18 will not be allowed to participate in these activities.

In Punjab, a grand operation has been initiated against smoke-emitting vehicles, with inspections of bus and truck terminals underway.

In Lahore, vehicle checks are ongoing with the assistance of 38 special anti-smog squads, and smoke-emitting vehicles will no longer be allowed on the roads.

Senior Minister of Punjab, Marriyum Aurangzeb, stated that government measures have significantly reduced outdoor activities, emphasizing the need to adapt to conducting business in daylight.

The smog has also impacted the education system in Punjab, leading to the closure of educational institutions. Private schools have been ordered to shift half of their staff to online work.

Additionally, the Dolphin Force has begun operations against vehicles that emit excessive smoke in Lahore.

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