Lahore:
In Pakistan’s Punjab province, particularly in the city of Lahore, a three-year-old girl has taken legal action against the local government due to the severe smog crisis that has enveloped the region, leading to dangerously hazardous air quality levels.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore has skyrocketed, surpassing the 800-mark and ranking at the top globally. The city has consistently had one of the highest AQI levels in the world, at times exceeding 1000.
The ongoing smog has made it challenging for residents to leave their homes, resulting in a surge of respiratory issues and overcrowded hospitals. The provincial government has declared a smog emergency, closing educational institutions in Lahore and other districts until November 17.
Amidst this crisis, a young girl named Amal Sekhera has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court against the government for its failure to address air pollution. The petition emphasizes the impact of pollution on children and the elderly and calls for justice for current and future generations.
The petition highlights the government’s constitutional obligation to provide a clean environment and criticizes the Punjab government for neglecting its duty to protect citizens’ fundamental rights.
Senior provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb has warned that the smog situation is expected to persist for at least another 10 days, prompting the closure of educational institutions and the recommendation for residents to wear masks. Other cities like Multan and Gujranwala are also grappling with severe air quality issues.
(This article is unaltered except for the headline and has been sourced from a syndicated feed.)
