Pakistan has imposed emergency restrictions in several major cities as air pollution reaches catastrophic levels, particularly in Multan, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has surpassed an unprecedented 2000. The extreme pollution levels, exacerbated by industrial emissions, seasonal crop burning, and adverse weather conditions, have led to a severe health emergency, prompting authorities to issue temporary ‘lockdowns’ to protect public health.
Schools, businesses, and outdoor work have been suspended in high-risk areas, especially in Multan and Lahore, where residents have been advised to stay indoors. Health officials report a sharp rise in cases of respiratory distress, with hospitals seeing an influx of patients suffering from breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and other pollution-related ailments.
Pakistan: Forced ‘lockdowns’ in certain cities due to extreme pollution. AQI tops 2000 in Multan
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Dr. Kamran Khan, a senior physician in Multan, described the situation as “one of the worst health crises the city has seen,” adding that hospitals are struggling to accommodate the surge in patients. “We are seeing severe respiratory issues, particularly in children and the elderly,” he noted.
The AQI, a scale measuring pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), indicates ‘hazardous’ levels beyond 300; with Multan’s AQI topping 2000, the air is nearly unbreathable, and visibility is extremely low. Lahore and other cities in Punjab are also experiencing severe pollution, with AQIs remaining above 800 for consecutive days.
Pakistan’s environmental ministry has expressed urgent concern, urging both federal and provincial governments to address the root causes of pollution through stricter regulations on industrial emissions and crop burning. Meanwhile, citizens are advised to use N95 masks, avoid outdoor activities, and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
The pollution crisis has ignited public anger, with citizens demanding a long-term action plan to tackle Pakistan’s air quality woes.
