Simi Raheel takes jab at CM Maryam Nawaz over Lahore's smog

Posting on Instagram story, Raheel remarked, 'Lahore is dying, and no one is doing anything to save it'

Veteran Pakistani actress Simi Raheel voiced her frustration over Lahore’s worsening smog crisis, taking a swipe at the provincial government in a comment that quickly went viral.

Posting on her Instagram story, Raheel remarked, “Lahore is dying, and no one is doing anything to save it. Not everyone has the option to go to London,” in a clear criticism of leaders in Punjab.

Raheel’s comment also took aim at Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, expressing her disappointment with the government’s handling of the environmental crisis.

 

 

 

 

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Her post struck a chord with many on social media, where users echoed her concerns and praised her for addressing the issue. However, some commenters defended the government, suggesting the problem stemmed from the previous administration’s failure to implement anti-smog measures.

This comes as Lahore ranks among the most polluted cities globally, second only to Delhi, with an air quality index (AQI) reading of 644.

Other Pakistani cities facing severe pollution include Multan, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar, where smog and fog have significantly impaired visibility.

The issue of smog has become a growing concern in Lahore, with celebrities such as Saba Qamar also voicing their distress, previously posting about breathing difficulties due to pollution.

'Dear Pakistan, move to Karachi': Bilawal advises smog-hit Pakistanis

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to share the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) readings from various cities across Pakistan. While sharing the figures he wrote, "Dear Pakistan, move to Karachi."

Punjab is currently in the grip of smog with its capital, Lahore, being the most polluted city in the world. Data indicates that Lahore's air quality index (AQI) is nearly 74 times above the World Health Organisation's recommended limit, reaching a hazardous level of 588 on average.

In various city areas on Monday, the AQI levels range from 565 to as high as 1,045, but this was significantly lower than the 1,900 level the index touched in places earlier this month. A score of 0-50 is considered good.

Lahore's residents are urged to limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers where possible, and wear masks to reduce exposure to airborne pollutants. The Punjab Environmental Department is expected to adjust lockdown measures as necessary.