• Lahore schools close as pollution hits record level 
• On Monday, half of office workers will work from home
• Other anti-pollution measures are being introduced

Lahore schools close as pollution hits record level 

Severe air pollution in Lahore has led authorities to close all primary schools for a week as the city grapples with record-breaking smog levels. Starting Monday, half of office workers are expected to work from home under a “green lockdown” plan aimed at reducing emissions. Other anti-pollution measures include banning engine-powered rickshaws and requiring filters for street vendors who barbecue.

Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, recently ranked first globally for the worst air quality, with the air quality index surpassing 1,000 on Saturday—far above the World Health Organization’s “dangerous” threshold of 300. Hazardous levels of fine particulate matter, which poses severe health risks, have also been recorded.

Environmental officials attribute much of the smog to stubble burning across the border in India. Aurangzeb noted that strong winds carry these pollutants into Pakistan and called for cross-border discussions facilitated by the foreign ministry to address the issue. Meanwhile, residents are advised to stay indoors and limit travel, with water-spraying vehicles deployed to mitigate pollution and construction work halted in certain areas.