Pakistan: Pollution forces closures of businesses, schools in Lahore

Authorities in Pakistan on Tuesday imposed a “health emergency” in the country’s second-most populous city of Lahore, and other adjoining north eastern districts, announcing four holidays a week due to heavy smog that sent the air quality index soaring up to 400.

Air quality in Lahore was the worst in the world on Wednesday according to Swiss group IQAir, standing at a ‘hazardous’ 432.
Under the order, apart from Sundays, offices, schools, colleges, cinemas, parks, and other public places will remain closed on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays until further notice.

Pakistani authorities blame the rise in smog on wind from neighboring India bringing smoke and other pollutants, mainly due to stubble burning by paddy farmers in Indian Punjab.