Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded temperatures as low as 2°C in Lahore, this temperature was last recorded 35 years ago. According Muhammad Riaz, Chief Meteorologist, the cold weather spell will prevail until mid-January. He also added that although climate change has some impact on weather patterns, there is nothing unusual. The coldest winter spell is witnessed from mid-December to mid-January every year.
Parked in the corner of a small community park in Lahore’s Gulberg, the Alif Laila Book Bus is a safe haven for readers and an entry into the world of imagination. Upon entering into the double-decker bus, you’re greeted by its ‘driver’: a stuffed toy behind the steering wheel. The library is colourful, with shelves full of books. Cushions and rugs are spread across the bus.
The administration has hiked the toll tax on the Lahore’s Ring Road, increasing it by up to Rs. 100. There has been an increase in all the categories with the biggest being in the truck/trailer one, which has gone from Rs. 350 to Rs. 450. The transporters have hit back at the hike terming these consistent increases as a serious damage to their business.
Just amid the peak of wedding season in Lahore, Badshahi Mosque – the most coveted photography backdrop- has banned wedding photography. According to team of a local photographer, gatekeepers of the Masjid have banned wedding photography completely since 19th of December. Despite only a 15 minute window for photo shoot, the Mughal era masjid is the most wanted location for couples.
Two FIRs have been registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act against more than 250 lawyers who attacked Lahore’s Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) on Wednesday. The lawyers tortured doctors and attendants, and damaged hospital property and police vehicles in order to avenge a group of lawyers who were beaten at PIC a few weeks ago. The attack resulted in death of three patients at the facility.
The shuttle train service between Lahore and Wagah Railway Station will take Lahoris to Wagah for Rs30. The train, named ‘Rail Car’, can carry more than 200 passengers. Two passenger trains and a break van have been added to the train. Rail Car will leave Lahore thrice a day stopping at the Moghalpura, Harbanspura, and Jallo Park stations.
All public and private schools will be closed again for two days after the air quality in Punjab and adjoining districts surpassed hazardous levels. A notification issued by the government stated, “In the wake of dense smog, public and private schools operating within the territorial limits of Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala districts will remain closed on November 15 [today] and
In a bid to control passive smoking, district authorities have drafted a comprehensive plan to turn Lahore into a tobacco-smoke free city. The plan seeks to ban smoking in all public spaces, including parks, marriage halls and public transport. The sale of cigarettes within 50 metre radius of any educational institute will also be prohibited and an awareness campaign will be launched.
Lahore’s air quality remained ‘hazardous’ with an air quality ranking of 447, according to Air Visual’s Air Quality Index (AQI) list. The Punjab capital is ranked second most polluted city in the world, according to Air Visual, which records air pollution levels across the globe in real time. According to Air Now, “the entire population is more likely to be affected” at hazardous level.
After a sudden spike in Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) from less than 200 to more than 500 late, the chief minister announced closure of public and private schools on Thursday. This is the first time that smog has forced closure of schools. As per Lahore US consulate Air Quality Monitor feed, the level of smog was hazardous and at 10pm, Lahore’s AQI was PM2.5 – 580.