The level of dangerous particles in the air is well above levels considered safe and smoke from agricultural fires is only making the situation worse.
Pollution in Pakistan’s large cities is at levels considered very dangerous to health. Thousands of people have already had to be treated in hospitals, especially with coughing, shortness of breath and burning in the chest and eyes. Pakistani authorities say that wearing a mask is crucial and that this level of pollution is very dangerous to health.
The elderly, the chronically ill and young children should not even leave the house. In Lahore, Pakistan’s second largest city, visibility is very low.
The level of dangerous particles in the air is well above levels considered safe and smoke from agricultural fires is only making the situation worse.
Heavy traffic doesn’t help either, and the local government has announced measures to try to stop the pollution caused by the thousands traveling on the roads.
Most of the cars, trucks and buses are old and should have been discontinued by now.
In recent days, 10,000 vehicles were inspected and 4,000 were banned from driving.
But it is a tiny number and not even the threat of heavy fines seems to be enough for those who use these highly polluting vehicles.
