ISLAMABAD – Amnesty International on Friday issued an “Urgent Action” forthe residents of Lahore to mobilize its supporters and campaign on behalfof the entire population due to the hazardous smog engulfing the city.
The “Urgent Action” raises concerns about how the poor air quality poses arisk to the health of every person in Lahore, a city of more than 10million people.
“The air in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, is so toxic thatpeople’s health and lives are in grave danger. Schools have been forced toshut down, respiratory illnesses are on the rise and people are havingtrouble breathing,” Amnesty International said.
[image: Image result for smog in lahore]
On November 13, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore, reached 556 – farexceeding the threshold for ‘hazardous’ levels, which begins at 300. A dayearlier, the AQI reached 598 at 12pm on November 21. Since the beginning ofthe month, at least seven days have seen air quality index reach hazardouslevels.
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“The Government of Pakistan is assessing the air quality using measures,not in line with international standards and so, people are not adequatelywarned or equipped as to how to protect themselves from the smog,” theorganisation noted.
Amnesty further urged the government of Pakistan must act on its humanrights obligations and take urgent action to protect people from theadverse consequences of poor air quality.
On the other hand, the Punjab education department on Thursday decided tokeep all public and private schools in Lahore, Gujranwala and Faisalabadclosed on November 22 due to poor air quality.
