LAHORE (Dunya News) – A health emergency has been declared in Lahore and Multan by senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday due to the escalating smog crisis.
During a press conference in Lahore, she warned that a lockdown could be imposed next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in both cities as the smog levels continue to pose a serious health threat.
Aurangzeb highlighted that a 10-year plan to combat smog was already created by the chief minister in March. She stressed that all relevant departments were consulted in developing the plan and referred to smog as a national disaster.
The minister also announced a ban on construction activities in both cities and mentioned that the government is considering extending school closures for another week due to the ongoing situation.
She urged the public to avoid outdoor activities to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the smog. Additionally, Aurangzeb expressed her readiness to personally brief the Lahore High Court, which had directed the Punjab government to form a long-term strategy to combat the smog crisis.