The Punjab government has decided to hold Istisqaa (rain) prayers on Friday, November 15, in response to the worsening smog across the province.
The Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department will coordinate these prayers, seeking rain to alleviate the severe smog effects.
Read more: Punjab Considers Wedding Ban from October to December to Combat Toxic Smog
Officials stress an urgent need for rain, which could help reduce smog levels. This decision follows Lahore’s record-high air pollution, making it the most polluted city globally. The hazardous air has raised serious health concerns, especially for children, with UNICEF warning about risks to over 11 million children under five exposed to the pollution.
Punjab’s smog crisis is largely due to crop burning, vehicle emissions, and coal-powered plants, leading the government to close schools and colleges and enforce a 50% work-from-home policy for public and private offices in affected cities.
