65,000 Hospitalizations In Pakistan As Lahore Pollution Index Passes 2,000; 3 Day Lockdown Imposed

The air pollution situation in Pakistan has reached a catastrophic level, surpassing even the worst environmental conditions seen in the region in recent years. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 2000 mark in major cities like Lahore and Multan, the provincial government has been forced to take extreme measures, including imposing a lockdown and declaring a health emergency.

In response to the hazardous levels of pollution, the Punjab government has declared a complete lockdown in Lahore and Multan for the upcoming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday if the situation does not improve by Wednesday.

The lockdown will remain in effect as long as the AQI remains dangerously high, and authorities have pledged to monitor the air quality closely during this period. If the situation does not improve, the lockdown could be extended, further affecting daily life and economic activities in the region. These drastic steps aim to limit outdoor activities and reduce exposure to the toxic air, which has reached unprecedented levels. The immediate concern is the health impact on the population, with many residents already suffering from severe respiratory issues.

The pollution crisis has already taken a severe toll on public health, with over 600,000 people in Punjab suffering from respiratory-related illnesses in the past week alone. Among these, approximately 65,000 individuals required hospitalization, creating a massive strain on medical facilities.

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https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/other/pakistan-air-pollution-3-days-lockdown-to-be-imposed-in-lahore-multan-as-aqi-soars-above-2000/ar-AA1ukiHY