Smog crisis: School holidays extended, Punjab

 Smog crisis: School holidays extended, Punjab goes into complete lockdown A public health emergency has been declared in Lahore and Multan. Construction work has been banned and dining in restaurants is only allowed until 4pm.

Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced a set of immediate emergency measures, including declaring a public health emergency in Lahore and Multan, in response to the worsening smog crisis in the province. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Maryam highlighted the seriousness of the situation and said the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached dangerous levels in several cities, including Lahore. The AQI in Lahore reached an alarming 2,800. She said countries that have curbed the smog have received immense support from their people and she has called on the public to stay home on Saturdays and Sundays. She also highlighted the role of actors, artists and the media in addressing the health threat. Maryam said she personally went out to Lahore wearing a mask and found people having fun. "People do not understand that smog can be deadly. They drive cars and motorbikes without masks. The private sector should enforce the mask ban," she stressed. "I call on all critics to unite against smog," the minister announced. "The decision will be implemented from next week after considering all circumstances." Announcing key measures The minister announced the following measures in view of the worsening smog in Lahore and other cities of Punjab: - All brick kilns and kiln units in Lahore and Multan have been closed from Friday to curb emissions. - If the situation does not improve by Wednesday, a complete curfew will be imposed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. - In-store dining will be allowed until 4pm, after which takeaway sales will be available. - Holidays for schools and colleges across Punjab, except Murree, have been extended and orders have been issued to switch to online learning. - Construction activities have been banned in Lahore and Multan from Friday. - Holidays for emergency medical staff have been cancelled and hospital outpatient services will remain open till 8pm. - Electric bikes and EAQ oil projects are planned. Considering the environmental situation, electric buses are being introduced in Lahore. Maryam Aurangzeb further said that more than 40,000 people affected by the smog are receiving treatment in hospitals and called on the public to limit outdoor activities and wear masks especially when riding motorcycles. She said she would like to appear before the Lahore High Court, which is hearing smog-related cases, to convey to the judges about the government's actions. "Now our health has turned into a smog health crisis," she stressed, adding that a public campaign titled "Detox Lahore" has been launched to raise awareness about smog and its life-threatening effects. "People are only allowed to go out on their motorbikes for essential work and are required to wear masks when doing so," she stressed.

Aurangzeb stressed that the prime minister had begun work on combating smog in March and a strategy had been drawn up that took into account all  factors that cause smog. The Punjab government implemented a 10-year climate  and smog policy that included demolishing 800 brick kilns to reduce emissions, converting brick kilns to zigzag technology, promoting green transport by introducing electric bikes and electric buses in Lahore, and providing subsidies. Super seeders that reduce stubble burn will be provided to farmers at 60 percent of the price. He said each ministry would follow the smog policy and the prime minister would personally monitor it. There was no vehicle fitness inspection in Punjab and  no law for inspection of motorcycles. Aurangzeb announced, "We have received three gas analyzers and will hand them over to the traffic police for vehicle inspection." The minister stressed that smog is not limited to Pakistan and affects the lives of both India and Pakistan's Punjab provinces, and that neither country can change the wind's direction. "Smog knows no boundaries. It is a matter of life and death for both countries," he said, and called for cooperation to confront the crisis. Maryam Aurangzeb appealed to the public and the private sector to ensure compliance with  mask mandates and other measures. He warned that if the smog situation does not improve by mid-week, the lockdown may be extended until Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and further restrictive measures will be taken. Aurangzeb concluded by calling for joint efforts, saying, "Countries that have become smog-free have done so thanks to the cooperation of their people." To protect our health and our future, we must do the same."