Thousands Pray for Rain in Punjab as Health Emergency Declared Amid Toxic Smog
The faithful assembled at over 600 government-run mosques across the province, according to Talha Mahmood, spokesman for the provincial Religious Affairs department.
“Today, we prayed for rain to decrease smog, though it is caused by humans’ own mistakes,” said Muhammad Ejaz, 48, who led prayers at a mosque in Lahore, Reuters reported.
Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, faces recurring smog issues every winter, but air pollution has intensified in recent years due to cold air trapping dust, low-grade diesel fumes, and smoke from illegal stubble burning.
Sajid Bashir, spokesman for the provincial Environment Department, linked this year’s severe pollution to a lack of rainfall in September and October. “Last year, rain spells reduced particulate matter; this year, we’re still waiting,” he noted on Friday.
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Lahore has been reported as the world’s most polluted city by Swiss group IQAir for most of the week.
In response to the crisis, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced measures to combat smog at a press conference, including the closure of construction sites, brick kilns, and furnace-based plants in Lahore and Multan. She warned that a complete three-day lockdown would be enforced starting next Friday if the situation does not improve.
Last week, the province ordered schools to remain closed until November 17, and on Friday, the shift to online learning was extended for an additional week.
Source: Agencies
