Lahore makes masks mandatory for students as AQI hits 351

Lahore's District Education Authority has made face masks mandatory for students across the city's public and private schools, issuing the directive as Lahore's overall air quality index reached 351 and the city topped a global air pollution ranking.

The authority instructed school administrations to ensure students wear masks and to enforce strictly the standard operating procedures issued for protection against smog. It said schools must comply fully with all smog-protection SOPs to safeguard students' health.

The chief executive of the education authority directed that students be encouraged to drink plenty of water, and that schools hold awareness seminars on smog protection and precautionary measures.

Daily Times reported that the Paragon area was the worst-affected locality, with an AQI of 661, a level the newspaper said poses serious health risks to children, elderly people and those with respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. The paper said hazardous smog had engulfed the city and made breathing difficult for residents.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast a maximum of 29 degrees Celsius in Lahore and a minimum of 18, with humidity and low wind speeds keeping the smog in place and a 10 per cent chance of rain.

Medical experts advised residents, particularly children, elderly people and patients with respiratory or heart conditions, to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, wear protective masks and seek medical attention if they have difficulty breathing.

UrduPoint reported the school directive under a headline saying the smog crisis in Lahore was spiralling out of control.