*As Lahore grapples with alarming air quality that has reached hazardous levels, education authorities have opted to close primary schools for a week, raising concerns about public health and the ongoing environmental challenges in Pakistan.*
**Lahore's Struggle with Severe Air Pollution Forces School Closures**
**Lahore's Struggle with Severe Air Pollution Forces School Closures**
*Record pollution levels in Lahore lead to a temporary halt in primary education, igniting discussions on the environmental crisis.*
In response to dangerously high air pollution levels, primary schools in Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, will remain closed for a week. This decision follows the city recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 1,000 on Sunday, as reported by IQAir, an air quality monitoring organization. An AQI above 301 is categorized as hazardous, indicating dire conditions for public health.
The Punjab education authorities announced the suspension of classes for students up to the fifth grade due to the deteriorating air quality, affecting many families. Meanwhile, older students will continue their education despite the severe pollution. Environmental lawyer Ahmad Rafay Alam described the situation as “apocalyptic,” highlighting that pollution levels had reached figures that “are outside the range of classification.”
Lahore ranked as the world’s second-most polluted city behind New Delhi, according to IQAir data, consistently appearing among the top cities suffering from air quality issues. The severe air pollution is linked to various factors, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural burning practices.
Pakistan has tackled significant air quality challenges, often ranking among the countries facing the worst pollution in the world. Environmental experts estimate that life expectancy in Pakistani cities decreases by an average of two years due to poor air quality, posing serious implications for public health and future generations.
As city officials and climate change advocates call for immediate action to address these environmental issues, the school closures serve as a wakeup call about the urgent need for effective pollution control measures and sustainable practices to ensure the safety and health of residents in Lahore and beyond.
