LAHORE: Residents of the polluted capital of Punjab and other districts continue to breathe the toxic air that has paralyzed life and led to the closure of educational institutions in the province.

The air quality in Lahore has even surpassed the danger zone, leaving residents vulnerable to respiratory diseases and other health risks.

Early Thursday morning, the city topped the Air Quality Index (AQI) ranking, with air pollution levels above 800. According to data from Swiss air quality monitor IQAir, it continues to top the list even after midnight. 9 in the morning with 784.

Lahore’s atmosphere has remained dangerous for its residents for weeks following its position as one of the cities with the highest AQI in the world, with levels consistently exceeding 1,000 due to winds carrying pollution from neighboring India, it noted. on Wednesday Punjab Chief Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

This prolonged exposure has increased hospital admissions for respiratory problems, severely affecting Lahore and other cities such as Multan, Kasur, Sheikhupura and Gujranwala.

The persistent dangerous atmosphere has made it difficult for citizens to breathe, leaving them vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, as they struggle to continue their daily activities.

Doctors have advised residents of Lahore to wear masks when leaving their homes.

On the other hand, private and government educational institutions, teaching up to higher secondary level, in the city and other districts of Punjab have also been closed by the government till November 17, according to a notification.

Meanwhile, the Punjab education department has ordered to keep schools and academies closed.

“All educational institutions will shift to online classes,” the notification said.

The notification was issued after Aurangzeb, a day earlier, announced the closure at a press conference at the Chief Minister House.

He confirmed that schools in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan divisions will shift to online classes until November 17, prioritizing public health amid rising pollution levels.

“Today, the air quality index (AQI) is 1,150. Yesterday, the air quality index remained at 500, which is very dangerous,” Aurangzeb explained, urging parents to keep children at home and shift to online education. He also emphasized that this change is not a holiday but rather a measure to mitigate exposure to dangerous air pollutants.

In addition to closing schools, Punjab has introduced a policy of mandatory mask wearing in public spaces. Public and private offices have been ordered to adopt a 50% work from home policy, and all government meetings will be held online until further notice.

Aurangzeb said specific targets have been set for health, agriculture and environment departments to combat pollution. The newly created Smog War Room monitors air quality data 24 hours a day and coordinates efforts between departments.