Lahore became the top city with worst air quality for several weeks, with thousands of people mostly school-going students reporting illnesses from allergies to respiratory issues, and the smog prompted government action to close schools.
Amid the worsening situation, the interim government of Punjab announced keeping schools closed on weekends in the wake of ongoing smog in the region and even Friday was declared holiday to save children from toxic air pollution.
For this week, the authorities have not decided against shutting down schools and other educational institutions on Friday despite Lahore remaining second most polluted city.
Pakistani also decided that working hours of schools, and educational institutions will be reduced rather than giving weekday holidays amid alarming levels of air pollution.
Situation remained grim in Lahore and several other cities in the region. To avoid exposure to polluted air, students were also directed to wear masks and there will no more outdoor activity.
In a similar development, officials directed private schools to provide transport facilities to students. Officials directed schools to purchase school to curb alarming high level rising smog levels.
A group of private schools have been directed to provide transport facilities to children.
Lahore continued to lead the list of worst polluted cities not only in Pakistan but also across the world.
On Thursday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city reached a dangerous level of 200, ranking second most polluted city.
Top position was taken by India’s Delhi New and China’a capital Beijing remained at third spot.
