Islamabad: The Lahore district administration has announced a temporary ban on outdoor activities from November 11 to 17 to address the worsening smog crisis affecting the city. This directive, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, suspends all sports, exhibitions, events, and outdoor dining at restaurants, though religious gatherings remain exempt. Additionally, shops, markets, and malls are required to close by 8 p.m. Essential services, such as medical stores, labs, petrol stations, and grocery stores, are permitted to stay open, while large department stores are restricted to operating only their grocery and medical sections.
In parallel, Islamabad has introduced similar anti-smog measures. The Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, has coordinated with local authorities like the Islamabad Transport Authority and the Excise Department to reduce emissions and improve air quality across the capital. Consequently, Islamabad has temporarily closed all smoke-emitting factories and brick kilns, restricted the use of smoke-emitting vehicles, and banned the burning of garbage, leaves, and other materials outdoors.
A recent Green Master Plan report underscores that Lahore’s smog issue is exacerbated by rapid urban development, which has reduced green spaces and created a “heat island” effect. It highlights that industrial zones spanning 33 square kilometers are situated near residential neighborhoods, further contributing to pollution levels. The report warns that if these industrial areas are not moved to designated zones within the next decade, Lahore risks suffering irreversible environmental damage.
These combined actions aim to mitigate health risks posed by high pollution levels, with Lahore and Islamabad both focusing on reducing industrial and vehicular emissions and promoting air quality improvements.
