Amnesty International on Friday issued an "urgent action" warning for the hazardous smog that has been engulfing Lahore, saying every resident of the city is at risk due to the poor air quality.
The unprecedented step is aimed at mobilising supporters around the world to campaign on behalf of Lahore's population to seek relief from the authorities, the NGO said in a press release.
Lahore topped the list of the world's most polluted cities for the second consecutive day on Friday. Around 8am, the city's air quality was recorded by Air Visual to be 385, which is classified as 'unhealthy'. The Punjab government, for the third time this month, announced the closure of schools due to "dense smog" in three districts, including Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala.
“The government’s inadequate response to the smog in Lahore raises significant human rights concerns. The hazardous air is putting everyone’s right to health at risk,” said Rimmel Mohydin, South Asia campaigner at Amnesty International.