The Punjab government has made it mandatory for motorcyclists to wear face masks as air pollution worsens across the province, particularly in Lahore, which now ranks among the most polluted cities in the world.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced the new safety directives, citing the inflow of polluted air from Indian cities including Delhi, Chandigarh, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, and Patiala, which has further aggravated air quality in Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar.
Aurangzeb said that construction sites and transport vehicles carrying materials have been ordered to cover their loads, while citizens traveling on motorbikes must wear masks. She also urged residents to keep car windows rolled up and close doors and windows at home to minimize exposure.
She noted that slight improvement in air quality is expected between 1 PM and 5 PM, though light haze will persist throughout the afternoon.
The minister added that water sprinkling operations and anti-smog guns are being actively used in Lahore and other major cities to curb particulate matter.
“Every citizen’s cooperation is crucial in reducing smog and protecting public health,” Aurangzeb said, stressing that collective responsibility is key to overcoming the ongoing environmental challenge.
