In an effort to reduce smog, schools and offices around the province will be closed on Saturday, November 18, according to a statement made on Wednesday by acting chief minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi.
Today’s PM 2.5, or microscopic particle matter, concentration in the air was close to 195, which is considered unhealthy. Earlier in the week, it reached 400, which is deemed hazardous.
Naqvi’s announcement at a press conference in the provincial capital days after Lahore High Court’s Justice Shahid Karim Monday ordered the government to close all schools and colleges on Saturdays in Punjab as the provincial authorities failed to curb smog.
With an 11 million-person population, the second-biggest metropolis in Pakistan has been named the most polluted city in the world on several occasions. Many locals are having problems breathing, thus it has been urged that everyone stay at home and use masks.
Last week, a four-day vacation was observed in the province’s pollution-affected areas from Friday to Sunday. Several companies were also requested to close, but were eventually permitted to reopen once the smog was lessened by rain.
“Air pollution is increasing due to smog,” Naqvi told journalists, as he pointed out that 90% of the crop burning in winter takes place and 10% in Pakistan — which is a major contributor to smog.
