Dense smog poses risk to health of every person in Lahore: AI

LONDON (92 News) – Amnesty International (AI) on Friday has issued a warning that the dense smog poses a risk to the health of every person in Lahore, a city of more than 10 million people. The air pollution due to the smog put in danger the lives of million people in Lahore. AI urged the Pakistani government an urgent action for the residents of Lahore to mobilize its supporters and campaign on behalf of the entire population due to the hazardous smog engulfing the city. The AI raised concerns about how the poor air quality poses a risk to the health of every person in Lahore, a city of more than 10 million people. “The air in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, is so toxic that people’s health and lives are in grave danger. Schools have been forced to shut down, respiratory illnesses are on the rise and people are having trouble breathing,” the Amnesty International said. The AI further urged the government of Pakistan must act on its human rights obligations and take urgent action to protect people from the adverse consequences of poor air quality. It is pertinent to mention here that reports have shown how prolonged or heavy exposure to hazardous air can result in severe health issues including asthma, lung damage, bronchial infections, heart problems and shortened life expectancy – putting in danger people’s rights to life and to health. On November 13, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore, reached 556 – far exceeding the threshold for ‘hazardous’ levels, which begins at 300. A day earlier, the AQI reached 598 at 12pm on November 21, The News reported. Since the beginning of the month, at least seven days have seen air quality index reach hazardous levels. Due to the sudden spike in the AQI in Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala on Thursday evening, authorities were forced to announce school closure amid concerns from the citizens. This was the second instance in the past 30 days that the Punjab government had to close schools due to extraordinary smog levels.