KARACHI, Pakistan — Unprecedented air pollution levels in Pakistan’s second-largest city of Lahore prompted authorities to take emergency measures on Sunday, including issuing work-from-home mandates and closing primary schools.
To reduce vehicle pollution, 50% of office employees would work from home, Aurangzeb said.
The government has also imposed a ban on three-wheelers known as rickshaws and halted construction in certain areas to reduce the pollution levels.
Aurangzeb described the situation as “unexpected” and attributed the deterioration in air quality to winds carrying pollution from neighboring India.
The smog crisis in Lahore, similar to the situation in India’s capital, Delhi, tends to worsen during cooler months due to temperature inversion trapping pollution closer to the ground.
Persons:
Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb, Aurangzeb, ”
Organizations:
Citizens
Locations:
KARACHI, Pakistan, Lahore, India, Swiss, Punjab, Delhi