Pakistan's AQI Crosses 2100, Punjab Province Shuts Schools, Amusement Parks

Karachi: smog crisis in Pakistan ’s Punjab continues to spiral out of control, with Multan's air quality reaching an alarming level. On Friday, city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) over 2,000, according to local news daily Dawn, turning area into what residents describe as an 'apocalyptic' scene. Punjab government is w on high alert, enforcing strict measures to combat pollution.

All parks and museums are closed until vember 17 across state as air quality plummets to dangerous levels in major cities. IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitor, reported that Multan hit an AQI of 2,135 between 8 AM and 9AM PM2.5 levels, fine particles that pose greatest health risks, surged to 947 micrograms per cubic meter — nearly 190 times above World Health Organisation's safety guidelines.

Throughout Friday night, AQI remained hazardous, with reings at multiple locations in Multan exceeding 1,500. Nearby districts such as Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, and Khanewal also faced heavy smog, leing to low visibility on ros.

In response, Multan’s Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu imposed a ‘smart lockdown,’ ordering markets to close by 8 PM. and instructing traffic police to crack down on smoke-emitting vehicles. city is also taking action against stubble burning and unauthorised brick kilns.

Hospitals are w setting up special 'smog counters' in ir emergency wards, though residents report that many people remain unaware of se resources. Despite warnings, citizens complain of worsening throat infections, and many children are still seen playing outdoors, exposing mselves to toxic air.

Lahore, too, faces severe pollution, with AQI levels above 1,000, making it world’s most polluted city at midnight on Friday. government has imposed a complete ban on public access to parks, zoos, playgrounds, and museums across cities like Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalab. Violators will face penalties under Section 188 of Pakistan Penal Code.

To curb smog, officials have closed 18 districts’ schools and imposed fines on offenders. state’s environmental authorities report that emissions from factories, vehicles, and stubble burning, combined with recent wind conditions, are causing air quality to deteriorate rapidly.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has anunced ditional measures, including covering all cargo trucks with tarps, vising children to stay indoors, and shutting down food outlets for breaking environmental rules.

Ro closures are w in effect across region, as authorities work to tackle what is fast becoming a public health emergency. situation remains critical, with residents concerned about lack of immediate relief from thick, choking smog enveloping ir cities.

(With Inputs from ANI)