Pakistan Air Pollution: NASA Images Show Black Smog Blanketing Lahore With AQI Above 600

Lahore: Air pollution levels in Lahore have soared to unprecedented heights, with city's air quality easily crossing World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended safe limit, sparking public concern and health warnings.

In this regard, National Aeronautics and ministration (NASA) has shared ims of black smog prevailing in atmosphere of Lahore putting health of 11 million children in Pakistan 's eastern Punjab province at risk. 

UN children's ncy on Monday warned that health of 11 million children in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province is in danger because of air pollution that experts say has become a fifth season in recent years.

Health of 11 Million Children At Risk In Pakistan 

Toxic smog has shrouded Pakistan's cultural capital of Lahore and 17 or districts in Punjab since last month. Health officials say more than 40,000 people have been treated for respiratory ailments.

UNICEF's representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fil has urged government to make urgent and greater efforts to reduce air pollution for 11 million affected children under of 5 and ors.

(Black Smog prevailing in Lahore/ Im:X)

“Prior to se record-breaking levels of air pollution, about 12 per cent of deaths in children under 5 in Pakistan were due to air pollution," Fil said.

" impact of this year's extraordinary smog will take time to assess, but we kw that doubling and tripling amount of pollution in air will have devastating effects, particularly on children and pregnant women.”

Schools Shut In Parts of Pakistan Till vember 17 Due To Poor Air Quality

In response to severe air pollution, Pakistan has closed schools in parts of Punjab until vember 17 to safeguard children's health. On Friday, authorities also anunced closure of all parks and museums for 10 days and vised people to avoid unnecessary travel.

Environmental Protection Department in Punjab reported that Multan was most polluted city on Monday, with air quality index levels reaching around 800—far above hazardous threshold of 300. Although government has me wearing face masks mandatory, many people have been igring this measure. ditionally, officials are exploring options to induce artificial rainfall to help alleviate pollution.