Pakistan’s second-largest city Lahore imposed emergency measures on Sunday, including the closure of primary schools for a week and work-from-home mandates, due to record-high pollution levels, Reuters reports.
Lahore recorded its highest pollution level ever at 1900 on Saturday, making it the world’s most polluted city. Officials advised parents to ensure children wear masks and urged residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed to avoid exposure to the thick smog. The government mandated that 50% of office employees work from home, imposed a ban on three-wheeled rickshaws, and halted construction in certain areas, to combat vehicle emissions.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb attributed the worsening air quality to cross-border pollution being carried by winds from India and indicated the need for diplomatic discussions to address the issue.
