Pakistan closes schools, malls as air quality hits dangerous levels in major cities

World News: A thick, toxic smog has engulfed the skies over Pakistan, with pollution levels reaching unprecedented heights. The hazardous haze is so intense that it can now be seen from space, according to satellite imagery released by NASA's Worldview platform. A massive cloud of grey smog now blankets the Punjab province, marking a drastic environmental crisis that continues to worsen, with cities such as Lahore and Multan suffering the most.

Record-Breaking Pollution Levels Spark Emergency Measures

Recent reports highlight a severe deterioration in air quality across multiple Pakistani cities. Lahore and Multan recorded alarming pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 2,000—a figure that signifies "hazardous" air. The AQI in Lahore, which had previously reached 1,900 earlier in the month, continued to remain in the hazardous category on Monday, with levels exceeding 600. This hazardous air quality is severely impacting residents, who are now facing rising cases of respiratory illnesses, throat irritation, and eye infections.

Government Closes Schools, Malls, and Public Spaces

In response to the ongoing pollution crisis, the Pakistan government has implemented stringent measures to curb the adverse health effects. Schools and colleges across several provinces have been closed until November 17, including in Lahore, which was recently ranked as the world's most polluted city by the Swiss environmental group IQAir. Public spaces such as parks and zoos have also been shut down, with authorities taking the necessary steps to protect the public from worsening health conditions.

Multan Faces Extreme Air Pollution

Among the worst-hit areas, the city of Multan registered a shocking AQI of 2,135 between 8 AM and 9 AM on Friday, according to IQAir. The concentration of harmful PM2.5 particulate matter reached a staggering 947 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limits. By late evening, the AQI in Multan surged even higher, climbing to 980—three times the hazardous threshold of 300.

Surge in Respiratory Health Issues

As the smog continues to wreak havoc, residents in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala are reporting increasing cases of respiratory diseases. Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such toxic air can lead to serious respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic illnesses. The government’s swift actions reflect the growing concern for public health amidst this environmental crisis.