Dangerous smog in Pakistan has resulted in hundreds of people being hospitalized and the closure of schools.
Authorities across a large area of eastern Pakistan shut down all parks and museums on Friday due to the record-breaking smog levels, which have also forced government offices to close and left tens of thousands suffering from respiratory illnesses.
Restrictions Put in Place
New restrictions, set to last ten days, took effect across 18 districts in Punjab province, including the capital, Lahore, where heavy smog reduced visibility to roughly 328 feet, casting a twilight haze over the city.
The shutdowns affect all public parks, zoos, museums, historic sites and playgrounds. Schools and government offices had already been closed through November 17.
A Lahore court on Friday ordered the government to close all markets by 8:00 p.m. local time. Authorities have also prohibited barbecuing without filters and mandated that wedding halls shut down by 10:00 p.m.
Sajid Bashir, spokesperson for Punjab's Environment Protection Department, said the new restrictions are intended to keep people indoors to better protect them from the record-level pollution.
"Instead of staying at home, parents and children were visiting these places," Bashir said, according to The Associated Press (AP). "We want people to stay at home and avoid unnecessarily traveling.
Ongoing Smog
Since last month, toxic smog has engulfed Lahore—a city of 14 million—and other areas in Punjab, and health officials have reported that over 30,000 people have sought treatment for respiratory issues in the affected districts.
Lahore ranked as the world's most polluted city on Friday with Air Quality Index levels exceeding 600, well above the hazardous threshold of 300, according to Bashir. On Wednesday, the city recorded an unprecedented AQI reading of over 1,100.
Dangers of Smog
Doctors are advising residents in smog-affected areas to wear face masks to protect their lungs.
"Breathing in Lahore air without wearing a face mask is equivalent to smoking dozens of cigarettes a day," said Dr. Hafeezur Rehman, a physician practicing in the city, according to the AP.
Multan, one of the hardest-hit districts, has seen a sharp rise in respiratory ailments. Officials have assured that smog-affected areas are fully stocked with medical supplies. School closures in smog-affected districts will disrupt education for over 20 million students, according to private and government school associations.
Khuram Gondal, Pakistan director for Save the Children, called on the government to implement long-term solutions to the pollution crisis, emphasizing the need to prevent future school disruptions for children.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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