LAHORE : All major cities of Punjab including Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi remained in the grip of toxic smog on Monday, prompting the Punjab government to order complete shut down of markets and ourdoor activities at 8pm, effective from Nov 11-17.
A notification was issued in this regard which also said whoever would violate the instructions given by the government would he dealt under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act. In addition, all kinds of sports activities, exhibitions and outdoor dinings were also restricted by the government except religious congregations.
According to the notification, only departmental stores and groceries were exempted while an action will be taken against those violating the government orders.
AQI OF MAJOR CITIES
Multan topped the chart with an alarmingly high 950 AQI. The AQI of Lahore stood at 560 whereas garrison city, Rawalpindi had an AQI hovering at 254.
INREASED LEVELS OF SOMG-INDUCED DISEASES
On the other hand, residents of Lahore had to face enhanced levels of whooping cough, chest infection and suffocation whereas children suffered from pneumonia.
All major five government hospitals reported more than 35,000 patients last week with complaints of eyesore and skin related diseases.
MOTORWAYS CLOSED
Meanwhile, the motorway was closed for traffic on several points. The motorway M1 was closed from Peshawar to Rashkai, M2 from Bhera to Kot Momin, M3 from Lahore to Dar Khana while M4 was closed from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakim and M5 was restricted for traffic from Multan to Sukkur.
PRECAUTIONS
Besides, notable environmentalist Ali Jabir warned that women, children and senior citizens with heart complications could be badly affected by air pollution, adding that air was full of toxic chemicals. He suggested the citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and urged them to use hot drinks in this season.
On the other hand, the Punjab government decided to implant air purifiers for which Environment Director General Imran Hamid issued notification.
The Punjab government also directed all shopping malls to use air purifiers.
