Punjab declares health emergency in Multan, Lahore

As efforts to reduce air pollution and its negative effects on public health continue, the government of Punjab has declared a health emergency in the two worst-hit cities, Lahore and Multan.
According to Swiss company IQ Air, Multan has the poorest air quality among Pakistani cities, while the province capital has continued to hold its title as the most polluted city in the world.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, the province’s senior minister for information and environmental protection, stated on Friday that the orders for school closures in smog-affected districts would be extended.
Speaking during a press conference, she declared, “The schools will remain closed for another week due to the hazardous air quality.”