Smog continues to have debilitating effects on health & routine activities of people in several parts of Pakistan

LAHORE, Nov 16 (SABAH): Smog continues to have debilitating effects on health and routine activities of people in several parts of Pakistan.

Lahore remained one of the worst polluted cities with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 766 on Saturday.

Lahore’s DHA area had AQI of 1,324, Gulberg’s Maratab Ali Road (1,210) and Ghazi Road Interchange (850).

All educational institutions in Lahore and Multan will remain closed for the next few days, with instructions about arrangements for online classes.

There is ban on construction in the two cities. Besides, markets, except those dealing in essentials, will be closed at 8pm.

Eateries will operate till 4pm and there will be takeaway facility till 8pm after which the businesses will be off.

Holidays of doctors and health officials have been cancelled to respond to emergency in hospitals.

On the other day, senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb declared health emergency in Lahore and Multan to combat smog. The minister said lockdown could be imposed on next Friday, Saturday and Sunday in both the cities.