“In last 24 hours, 75,720 patients of breathing problems reported in hospitals of the province,” the Punjab health department said in its report. “3,359 patients of asthma reported across Punjab”.
Moreover, 627 patients with eye disease came to hospitals, the health department said.
“In Lahore 5,354 patients with a breathing problem were brought to hospitals, while 303 patients of eye disease were also taken to health facilities, the health department said in its report.
Despite the government’s efforts to contain smog in Punjab, Lahore remains on the top of the list of the world’s big cities with a 766 Air Quality Index reading.
Polluted air continues to haunt Lahore and several other cities of Punjab despite authorities taking various steps to curb polluted air.
Several sections of the motorway have been closed to vehicular traffic in Punjab after poor visibility owing to fog and smog.
The government earlier imposed a complete lockdown in Lahore and Multan for three days a week due to worsening smog conditions.
Senior Minister for Information and Environment Protection Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a press conference, emphasized the severe health risks posed by smog, comparing it to the dangers experienced during COVID-19.
Punjab government recently also announced the closure of schools up to the higher secondary level in smog-hit districts of the province till 24 November.
The decision was made as the province grappled with severe air pollution, which has soared to alarming levels, affecting public health.
Lahore has been consistently ranked top among the most polluted cities globally, prompting urgent action from authorities.
For days, Lahore has been enveloped by smog, a mix of fog and pollutants caused by low-grade diesel fumes, smoke from seasonal agricultural burning, and winter cooling.
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