CM Maryam Nawaz set to depart for London on week-long visit

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is set to depart for London on November 5 for medical treatment, marking her first foreign visit since taking office.

She will receive treatment for a persistent throat infection and consult with her physician during her week-long stay. Maryam is expected to return to Pakistan with her father on November 13.

This development comes at a time when Lahore is struggling with hazardous air quality, ranking as one of the most polluted cities globally.

The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reading was 581 on Sunday morning, with areas surrounding the DHA Phase 8 recording a staggering 1754 air quality reading. Other affected areas include Gulbarg with a reading of 1258 and Askari 10 with 1404.

Residents are facing serious health issues due to the smog, including breathing difficulties, coughing, and burning eyes. Health experts urge the public to wear protective gear like glasses and masks to minimize exposure.

The AQI reading varies across the city, with Mall Road recording 493 and Shimla Pahari vicinity recording 529.

For context, an AQI of 151-200 is considered unhealthy, while 201-300 is more harmful, and above 300 is extremely hazardous.

Unfortunately, Lahore’s air quality has consistently ranked poorly, even reaching 1,067 on Saturday morning, according to the Swiss air quality watchdog’s real-time list. Despite provincial government efforts to combat smog, the city’s air quality remains a significant concern.