Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has requested the nation to perform the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa) to seek Allah’s mercy in the form of rainfall tomorrow (Friday).

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 due to smog.

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.

The prime minister urged the public to participate in the prayer and make special supplications to Allah for rain, according to a statement from the religious affairs ministry. He called on religious scholars and spiritual leaders to facilitate the special prayer in organising the prayer.

He emphasized that rainfall would improve the environment and aid in alleviating various diseases.

He added that arrangements for the prayer should be made in all mosques under federal and provincial oversight, as the situation demands immediate attention for rain.

Council of Islamic Ideology Chairman Allama Raghib Hussain Naeemi also appealed to all Muslims to perform the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa) after Friday prayers. He urged them to pray for Allah to alleviate the smog and harsh weather conditions through rain.

Secretaries of the Auqaf Departments across all four provinces, as well as Gilgit and Azad Kashmir, have been directed to ensure compliance with the circular.