The smog levels in Punjab, particularly in Multan, have reached record highs, with Multan’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 2000 on Friday morning. This marks the worst air quality the region has ever experienced. The provincial government is actively addressing the situation with a series of measures to reduce pollution levels.
Due to hazardous air quality, parks and museums in Multan have been closed until November 17. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 2,135 between 8 AM and 9 AM, with PM2.5 concentration soaring to 947 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding safe limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
By 10 PM, Multan’s AQI had dropped slightly to 980, but monitoring sites reported even worse conditions, with readings of 2,316 at the WWF-Pakistan Office, 1,635 at Shamsabad Colony, and 1,527 in Multan Cantonment. The air quality in these areas remains significantly hazardous.
Surrounding cities like Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, and Khanewal are also experiencing hazardous air quality, leading to poor visibility on the roads. In response to the situation, Nishtar Hospital in Multan has set up smog counters in both the OPD and Emergency wards to manage the health impacts of the smog.