What Happened: Lahore’s air quality briefly reached hazardous levels, prompting school closures, work-from-home policies, and government actions, while citizens criticized the lack of effective measures but the ulama council thinks that smog is the result of our sins.
What you need to know: Lahore briefly became one of the most polluted cities in the world, though its air quality improved later in the day. The Punjab government closed all primary schools in the city due to the smog until November 9, and some private companies implemented work-from-home policies for half of their staff on alternate days. The government also imposed a “green lockdown” in areas with heavy smog and declared it a “calamity.” However, business in the city continued as usual, with heavy traffic and citizens largely ignoring safety measures.
What more: On Sunday, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a dangerous 1,173. Many residents expressed their concerns online, complaining about the poor air quality and criticizing the government for not doing enough. One social media user described the situation as unbearable, with sore throats, burning eyes, and stifling air, calling Lahore’s air quality among the worst globally. But our Ulamas have issued a fatwa which says that that smog is the result of our sins