LAHORE: Severe air pollution in Punjab made nearly two million people sick in October, prompting the government to declare a health emergency in Lahore and Multan, the most affected cities.
According to a report from the Punjab healthcare department, 1,934,030 cases of respiratory and breathing problems were recorded across the province last month, including 126,230 cases in Lahore alone.
The report highlighted that 119,533 people sought treatment for asthma, while 13,773 visited medical facilities for heart-related issues. Additionally, 5,184 individuals suffered strokes during this period.
In the past two days, 68,917 new cases of respiratory diseases, including chest infections, were reported across Punjab. Out of these, 6,236 cases were from Lahore, where the air quality index (AQI) hit an alarming 619 points on Friday.
During a press conference, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced an extension of school closures in smog-affected areas.
“Schools will remain closed for another week due to hazardous air quality,” she said.
