Lahore, which has been struggling with high levels of air pollution, has shown signs of improvement as smog levels in the city have decreased.
However, the reduction in smog in Lahore has not been mirrored across Pakistan, with other cities like Karachi and Peshawar experiencing even worse air quality, with AQI 192 and AQI 189 respectively.
The city recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 170, while specific areas, such as Pakistan Engineering Services Road, saw an AQI of 179. Other areas, including Syed Muratab Ali Road and Polo Ground Cantt 194, reported AQI levels of 181 and , respectively.
Health experts have raised concerns about the potential impact of this high AQI on human health. The pollution levels are causing an increase in respiratory illnesses such as colds, coughs, and fever, with experts advising the public to take precautions.
“The air quality index is extremely harmful to human health, especially during this time of year,” said a local health expert. “It is important to keep windows and doors closed at home and wear masks when stepping outside.”
The Meteorological Department has forecast dry weather for the next 24 hours, with no rain expected.
The minimum temperature in Lahore was recorded at 10°C, and the maximum temperature is expected to reach 24°C.
Moreover, due to the improvement in the smog situation, the Punjab government has extended the school hours in all districts. The schools will open at 8:15am daily.
According to a spokesman for the environment protection department, the Punjab government relaxed the restrictions on schools because the air pollution level was under control.
The time restrictions had been imposed on schools last month.
When Lahore topped the global list of most polluted cities and smog enveloped several big cities of Punjab, the government had closed the schools in the Lahore and other affected districts.
When the schools reopened on November 18, the government advised them not to begin classes before 9:00am and instructed the administrations to strictly impose the condition of wearing mask for the students and teachers.
All sports and outdoor activities in schools were stopped.
The Punjab government had also imposed some restrictions on food businesses, shops and vehicles.
However, after the smog situation improved, the government gradually lifted the restrictions on schools, markets, vehicles, hotels and marriage. The restriction on sports and outdoor activities was lifted. However, the schools were not allowed to open before 8:45am.
The Environment Protection Agency issued a notification in which the government and private school administrations were advised to follow the new time table from Wednesday.
According to the director general of the department, action will be taken the school administrations violating the order. The environment protection department has relaxed the opening time restriction but no school will be allowed to open before 8:15am.