Punjab, Pakistan closes amusement parks and museums for 10 days due to severe smog

Lahore (The Uttam Hindu): In response to the severe smog conditions plaguing the province, the Punjab government in Pakistan has imposed a 10-day shutdown on amusement parks and museums from November 8 to 17. This measure, announced on Friday, affects multiple districts including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujarat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Chiniot, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh, along with Lodhran, Vehari, and Khanewal.

The air quality in Pakistan had reached alarming levels, with seven cities topping the list of the world’s most polluted.  Meteorologists have forecasted worsening conditions due to low wind speeds, with winds only moving at 11 km/h in Lahore and 7 km/h near Multan. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Multan had soared to 2,135, while Lahore’s AQI stood at 676. Other cities like Peshawar, Islamabad, Haripur, Rawalpindi, and Karachi also recorded hazardous air quality levels.

On Thursday, Lahore ranked as the most polluted city in the world with an AQI of 784, maintaining dangerously high pollution levels for several weeks, regularly surpassing 1,000. This persistent air pollution has led to a rise in hospital admissions for respiratory issues in Lahore and surrounding cities such as Multan, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Gujranwala.

Residents have been advised to wear masks when venturing outside, as the hazardous air makes daily activities difficult. In addition to the closures of parks and museums, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of educational institutions up to the higher secondary level, both public and private, in affected districts until November 17. Tuition centers and academies have also been shut down by the education department.