Smog havoc: 15 injured in traffic accidents in Punjab's Bhakkar

BHAKKAR: At least 15 people were reported injured in traffic accidents caused by persistent smog in Bhakkar district of Punjab province, ARY News reported on Saturday.

According to detail, seven individuals were hurt in incidents occurring near Fazal Adda on MM Road while five people were injured when a bus flipped over near Sarai Muhajir on MM Road.

Moreover, three individuals were hurt in a collision involving two vehicles in DI Khan road.

Earlier, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) shut down universities and colleges in Lahore and Multan due to severe smog.

According to the official notification, all the universities have been directed to shift classes online to prioritize student safety.

HEC notification stated that schools across Punjab except Murree will remain closed until November 24.

Also read: Outdoor activities banned in Lahore amid rising smog

Additionally, the Punjab government has also imposed restrictions on outdoor activities to mitigate the smog’s impact. The government urged citizens to take precautions, advising against unnecessary outdoor activities and ensuring mask usage

Earlier, the Punjab government imposed a complete lockdown in Lahore and Multan for three days a week due to worsening smog conditions.

Senior Minister for Information and Environment Protection Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a press conference, emphasised the severe health risks posed by smog, comparing it to the dangers experienced during COVID-19. She said that like COVID-19, smog is a life-threatening issue, and all necessary precautions must be taken to protect the lives of people.

The lockdown will be fully enforced in Lahore and Multan from next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, while the smog situation will be monitored on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The lockdown may be imposed earlier if the air quality worsens.

Marriyum Aurangzeb during her presser announced a complete ban on construction activities in Lahore and Multan starting from 16 November for one week.

She stated that long-term strategies to address pollution, including regulating motorcycle and rickshaw emissions, will be introduced after consideration.

Prior to this, Marriyum stated that the Health Department has been issued directives to take immediate action.

She said that the smog has led to an increase in respiratory issues, with over 600,000 people affected in Punjab in just one week, and 65,000 hospitalizations reported last week.