Punjab Government Takes Action Against Smog Conditions with Park Shutdowns

Punjab government shuts down parks and museums for 10 days to combat smog conditions as air quality worsens across major cities. [ARY News]

LAHORE: The Punjab government has taken a major step to combat the hazardous smog conditions in the province. It has shut down amusement parks and museums for 10 days, from November 8 to 17, ARY News reported.

As per details, the districts affected by this ban include Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujarat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Chiniot, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh.

Additionally, Lodhran, Vehari, and Khanewal districts are also under the smog-related restrictions.

Earlier today, reports revealed that air pollution in Pakistan reached alarming levels, with seven cities topping the list of the world’s most polluted cities.

Multan takes the unfortunate lead with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 2,135, followed closely by Lahore at 676.

Meteorologists expect the situation to deteriorate further next week, predicting worsening smog conditions due to low wind speeds of 11km/h around Lahore and 7km/h near Multan.

  1. Multan: AQI score of 2,135
  2. Lahore: AQI score of 676
  3. Peshawar: hazardous air quality
  4. Islamabad: hazardous air quality
  5. Haripur: hazardous air quality
  6. Rawalpindi: hazardous air quality
  7. Karachi: hazardous air quality

Also See: When Air Turns Toxic: Lahore, Delhi, and the Smog Diplomacy

Punjab Enforces SOPs

Yesterday, the Punjab government made a decision to put into action revised SOPs aimed at controlling emissions from outdoor cooking stations and barbecue grills, as the average Air Quality Index in Lahore has exceeded hazardous levels.

According to details, notice issued by Punjab Environmental Protection (EPA) Director General Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, these SOPs will take effect in the Lahore district from November 20, 2024, until January 31, 2025.

The Health Advisory System for Critical Air Pollution Events (HAS-CAPES) was established on December 13, 2022. Subsequently, it held its first meeting of the Provincial CAPEs Committee (PCC) on October 21, 2024. During this meeting, members confirmed that a Critical Air Pollution Event has occurred in Lahore. This confirmation comes in light of the current elevated levels of the Air Quality Index (AQI).

This news is sourced from ARY News and is intended for informational purposes only.

News Desk

Your trusted source for insightful journalism. Stay informed with our compelling coverage of global affairs, business, technology, and more.

Recent

What is the Durand Line?

What is Durand Line?

The Durand Line, a 2,670-kilometer border drawn in 1893 between Afghanistan and British India, remains one of South Asia’s many contentious frontiers. Rejected by every Afghan government but recognized internationally, it symbolizes the region’s colonial legacy and ongoing power struggles. This backgrounder explores its origins in the Great Game, the legal and political controversies surrounding it, and its lasting impact on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and regional security.

Read More »
Can war against terror be won without political consensus?

Can war against terror be won without political consensus?

For over two decades, Pakistan has battled the scourge of terrorism. Yet, despite military successes, the absence of political consensus continues to jeopardize lasting peace. As divisions deepen and populist narratives gain ground, the question remains: can Pakistan truly defeat terror without unity at the top?

Read More »
Shifting Sands: How Multipolar Pragmatism Is Redefining Global Alliances

Shifting Sands: How Multipolar Pragmatism Is Redefining Global Alliances

The world is entering an era of multipolar pragmatism where ideology no longer defines alliances. From NATO’s internal divides to BRICS expansion and regional realignments, states now pursue transactional partnerships driven by national interests. This fluid diplomacy creates both opportunities for middle powers and uncertainty in global governance.

Read More »
Afghan Taliban and Cross Border Terrorism in Pakistan

Afghan Taliban and Cross Border Terrorism in Pakistan

Pakistan is witnessing a sharp rise in terrorist attacks linked to the Afghan Taliban’s support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). A new study reveals that Afghan nationals now dominate TTP infiltration groups, exposing Kabul’s complicity in cross-border militancy. As violence escalates, Islamabad must balance border control, diplomacy, and de-radicalisation to counter

Read More »
The New Normal: End of Pakistan’s Strategic Restraint

The New Normal: End of Pakistan’s Strategic Restraint

Any hope surrounding the Pakistan–Afghanistan dialogue in Doha is colliding with renewed violence and mutual distrust. Pakistan’s recent precision strikes in Paktika, following a shattered ceasefire and terrorist attacks, signal a shift toward active defense. The talks now hinge on whether Kabul can curb militant sanctuaries and move beyond its victim narrative.

Read More »