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Pakistan Smog Crisis

Worsening air pollution in Pakistan's Punjab province has sickened 1.8 million people, leading to school closures and other emergency measures.

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English

United Kingdom

HealthClimate ChangePublic HealthGovernment ResponseAir PollutionEnvironmental CrisisChildren's Health

Punjab Health DepartmentEnvironmental Protection DepartmentUn Children's Agency

Ahsan Riaz

Which city in Punjab is the most polluted?: Multan is the most polluted city in Punjab, with an air quality index reading of about 700 (anything over 300 is considered hazardous). Authorities have ordered the wearing of face masks, but compliance is low, and are exploring artificial rainfall to combat pollution.
What are the main health problems caused by the smog?: Ahsan Riaz, a spokesman for the Punjab health department, stated that hospitals are overwhelmed with patients suffering from respiratory illnesses and eye irritation caused by the smog.
What measures has the government taken to address the smog?: The toxic smog has shrouded Lahore and 17 other districts in Punjab since October, forcing the government to close parks and museums for 10 days and urge people to avoid unnecessary travel.
How many people have been affected by the air pollution in Punjab province?: Over 1.8 million people in Pakistan's Punjab province have been sickened by worsening air pollution in the past month, leading to the closure of schools for five days to protect children's health.
What international organization has expressed concerns about the air pollution?: The UN children's agency warned that the health of 11 million children in Punjab is in danger due to the severe air pollution, which experts have described as a fifth season in recent years.

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