Deadly Lahore smog prompts lockdown-like situation, Multan chokes on toxic air

• Multan records worst air quality in country with AQI of over 1,900. 
• Smog disrupts life in Lahore as govt restricts outdoor activities.
• Low visibility causes road closures, accident in Lahore surroundings.

The deadly smog crisis has worsened in various cities of Punjab, especially in Lahore, prompting the closure of all outdoor spaces for the public in the provincial capital while Multan's air quality deteriorates drastically.

Lahore ranked the most polluted city in the world with live rankings by Swiss group IQAir rated the city's air quality as "hazardous" with the air quality index (AQI) 760 at around 8am on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Multan had the worst air quality in the wee hours, with an unprecedented AQI of over 1,900, making it the worst-hit city in the country by smog.

The visibility was reduced to zero as dense smog engulfed the southern Punjab city. However, the citizens are reportedly not adhering to mask-wearing and other guidelines to avoid the effects of air pollution despite hazardous levels of smog.

The district administration was also seen as inactive in implementing the directives for safety from smog.

In Lahore, thick smog led to wide-scale road closures for the second day as several points at motorways were blocked for traffic.

M1 Motorway was closed from Charsadda to Akbar Pura, M2 Motorway from Lahore to Kot Sarwar, M3 Motorway from Samandari to Darkhana and M4 Motorway from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem.

Moreover, the traffic was restricted on M5 Motorway from Shersha to Jhangra, while Lahore-Sialkot Motorway was also completely blocked.

At least 9 people were injured in a road accident near Kalashah Kako on GT Road, Mureed K when a van rammed into a truck parked by the road due to low visibility.

The spiraling air pollution has sparked government concern, prompting provincial authorities to adopt lock-down-like measures in the megacity to reduce emissions and protect workers and communities.

Lahore's Walled City Authority has announced a ban on all tourist activities at historic sites till November 17.

"All sites including Shahi Qila, Shalimar Bagh, Jahangir's Tomb and Noor Jehan's Tomb will remain closed," the authority said.

All literary events at Wazir Khan Baradari have also been suspended due to the smog situation.

Meanwhile, the markets will close by 8pm and trade activities will remain suspended on Sundays as directed by the Lahore High Court. 

The government on Friday also banned entry to parks, zoos, playgrounds and other public spaces until November 17 to protect the public from polluted air, and is considering closing down universities after shutting schools earlier this week.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. There's a possibility of closing universities and colleges on Monday to reduce vehicle emissions," said Jahangir Anwar, Secretary of the Environment Protection Department Punjab.

In addition to shutting schools, the province has already taken other steps such as suggesting half of employees work from home and banning rickshaws in certain areas.

Punjab has also set up a "smog war room," using satellite, drone technology and AI to monitor and address pollution.

South Asia annually faces severe pollution due to trapped dust, emissions and stubble burning — the practice of setting fire to fields after the harvest of grain.

Punjab has attributed this year's particularly high pollution levels to toxic air from neighboring India, where air quality has also reached hazardous levels.

Today, the AQI in the Indian capital New Delhi was over the 300 mark, which is above the healthy levels.

Many parts of South Asia suffer severe pollution as temperatures drop each winter.

The toxins in the air also caused a rise in health-related issues with medics reporting a 2% rise in patients with eyes, nose and throat infections.

Experts advise people in smog-affected regions to ensure mask-wearing, keep doors and windows closed and use more water.