Dense and shallow patches of fog and smog continue to blanket Lahore, Sargodha, Sahiwal and Faisalabad divisions while people have been complaining of breathing difficulties and irritable eyes for the last few days.
The AQI Index of Lahore was recorded above 500 throughout last week. At one point, the provincial capital was declared the most polluted city in the world as well.
On Sunday, an Air Quality Index of 370 was recorded in Lahore early in the morning, which considered as hazardous.
The crisis seems to be deepening in Lahore as and when the weather changes. Other cities most affected by air pollution include Sahiwal, Faisalabad, and Raiwind.
Due to the smog, visibility levels throughout cities were reduced, causing problems for commuters and leading to serious health issues such as flu, cough, throat infection, breathing problems, and chest pain.
According to doctors, more than 120 smog infections are being reported in the province on a daily basis.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) says the foggy and smoggy conditions will stay across Punjab.
Earlier, the Punjab government issued a notification to reduce 50% of staff at private offices and said that half of the private-sector employees will work from home.
The Lahore Commissioner has banned the use of Euro-II petrol and diesel in Lahore for one month and instructed people to use Euro-V to eradicate smog problems.
He also ordered the authorities to spray water at different streets and roads to curb the smog.
According to pulmonologists, some precautionary measures should be taken by people, especially those who spend most of their time outdoors.
The precautions include: wear masks, preferably two; wear sunglasses to prevent itchy eyes; wash as soon as you reach home; drink lots of water; keep a check on the AQI index and avoid areas where the air quality is poor; avoid exercising in smoggy conditions; avoid taking routes that are built up or congested and carry an inhaler if you have asthma.
