Wearing mask mandatory for one-week in smog affected districts

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a directive on Sunday afternoon, necessitating wearing of masks by the denizens of Lahore and other smog affected areas, for at least one week.

The directive said, “In response to deteriorating Air Quality, the Punjab Government announces a one-week mandate for wearing of face masks for all citizens in smog effected districts of Punjab.” The caretaker CM also shared the directive through his social media profile and added, “Prioritising health is our collective responsibility. Please adhere to the guidelines for a safer community.”

Last week, the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore was ranked the second most polluted city in the world on Thursday morning, according to an IQAir listing, which showed it had an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 470, which is considered ‘hazardous.’ Delhi topped the list while Karachi came in third, with an AQI of 179.

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In merely three days, Karachi has even surpassed Lahore and is currently hovering at the top of the list of most polluted major cities. Lahore remains at its second position, albeit the AQI for both cities has become less severe.

Karachi’s AQI, on Sunday, was recorded at 271 and Lahore’s at 241, both falling under the category of “very unhealthy”; slightly less lethal than “hazardous”.

Last week heavy pollution-fueled smog forced authorities to close schools and markets in Lahore. Heavy smog has blanketed Lahore since last week, reducing visibility and leading residents to complain of a threat to their health.