LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital and home to 14 million residents, has been grappling with record-high air pollution, resulting in a surge of hospital visits, doctors reported on Wednesday. Authorities are warning that a complete lockdown may be necessary if residents do not start wearing face masks and adhering to health guidelines aimed at combating the smog.
A toxic smog has enveloped the city since last month, pushing air quality to alarming levels. On Wednesday morning, Lahore was recorded as the world’s most polluted city, with an air-quality index soaring above 1,100; anything above 300 is considered hazardous to health. This dire situation has led to widespread health complaints, with many people experiencing persistent coughs and eye irritation.
“Within just one week, hospitals and clinics treated tens of thousands of patients suffering from respiratory ailments,” stated Salman Kazmi, vice president of the Pakistan Medical Association. “You can see people coughing everywhere, yet very few are wearing face masks,” he added, emphasizing the severity of the public health crisis.
In response to the urgent situation, Marriyum Aurangzeb, a senior minister in Punjab province, urged the public to wear masks to prevent the need for more drastic measures, such as a full lockdown. The local government has already implemented several restrictions, including banning barbecuing without filters and limiting the operation of motorized rickshaws. Additionally, wedding venues are required to close by 10 p.m.
Authorities are also exploring innovative solutions, such as inducing artificial rainfall to help alleviate the pollution, as they work to find effective ways to improve air quality for the residents of Lahore.
