Perils of Smog: Punjab's Health Crisis and School Shutdown

In Pakistan's Punjab province, a distressing cloud of smog has taken a serious toll on health. Over the past month, nearly 1. 8 million people have sought medical help due to respiratory issues and eye irritation. This alarming figure was revealed by local health officials, prompting schools across the province to close for five days to protect children’s well-being. Punjab, home to 127 million people, has been grappling with severe air pollution since last month. Officials stated that the number of people affected by smog is significantly higher than previously reported. Hospitals are overflowing with patients suffering similar symptoms.The decision to shut schools came over a week after officials closed schools in 18 districts hit by the smog. Lahore, the cultural capital, along with 17 other districts, has been enveloped in harmful smog since October. This led the government to also close parks and museums for ten days. Authorities are urging everyone to minimize travel due to the record-breaking smog, which has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses and eye infections. The situation is so severe that the United Nations warned about the health risks to 11 million children in Punjab, with air pollution now considered a seasonal issue. Multan, a city in the province, remains the worst hit, with air quality index readings exceeding 700, far beyond the hazardous limit of 300. Despite mandatory face mask orders, compliance is low, and the government is exploring ways to combat the pollution, including inducing artificial rain.