Pakistan's Cities Suffocated and Forced to Shut Down as Deadly Smog Engulfs the Country

Toxic smog in eastern Pakistan has resulted in numerous illnesses, leading authorities to close several cities for the remainder of the week. The dangerous levels of smog in Lahore, the country's second-largest city, have prompted the Punjab provincial government to shut down schools, offices, malls, and parks in three cities, including Lahore, until Sunday. The air quality index in Lahore has consistently hovered around 400 over the past few days, well above the satisfactory level of 100. The smog not only affects Pakistan but also impacts North India, with Delhi experiencing alarming levels of air pollution. Some residents in Lahore have expressed the detrimental effects on their health and daily activities due to the toxic atmosphere. The smog has caused blisters around the mouths of some children and can lead to long-term health problems, including lung cancer. Experts believe that burning crop residue contributes significantly to the air pollution. Pakistan intends to address the issue with Indian authorities at a diplomatic level, while also acknowledging that farmers in Pakistan engage in stubble burning. Medical facilities, grocery stores, and gas stations remain open, but residents have been advised to wear masks when going outside. Despite government efforts to combat smog, some environmentalists believe that current policies are ineffective. According to the Air Quality Life Index by the University of Chicago, air pollution reduces life expectancy in Pakistan's most polluted regions, such as Lahore, by nearly seven years.