The situation in Pakistan has become critical as the Shehbaz government takes swift action in response to worsening air pollution. The government has announced a lockdown in Punjab province, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to a dangerous 2000 on Friday morning.
The severe pollution has made it difficult for residents to breathe, with many experiencing eye irritation and discomfort. In response, the government has imposed a high alert and taken precautionary measures, including the lockdown. During this period, all parks and museums in the province will remain closed until November 17.
The AQI data reveals alarming levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5), with pollution levels reaching 947 micrograms per cubic meter, which is 189.4 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. This air pollution severely threatens public health, as it exceeds 5 micrograms per cubic meter, a level deemed extremely hazardous. In Multan, the pollution levels have surpassed 980 micrograms, more than three times the hazardous AQI threshold of 300.