It appears that smog has come to Lahore and other parts of Punjab to stay as the air quality index (AQI) in the provincial capital was recorded at 299 on Sunday morning, again making it the world’s most polluted city, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The situation is no different in other parts of Punjab, particularly in big cities such as Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Bahawalpur. Extremely high pollution levels in the air have led to eye, skin and throat infections in people. 

Despite claims made by the provincial government and the assurances given to the people that it is taking measures to control smog, the latter shows no sign of abating.      

The same situation persists across the border in India where the capital New Delhi is also grappling with hazardous air quality, prompting the temporary closure of schools and offices there.  

It has been noticed that either New Delhi tops the list of the world’s most polluted cities or Lahore. 

Smog was largely unheard of in Pakistan a few years back. But the smoke rising from factories’ chimneys and being emitted by vehicles have led to extremely polluted air, making it difficult for people even to breathe. 

Burning of the crops’ stubble is another contributing factor. 

In these circumstances, besides government measures, rain often proves quite useful.  

Reporter Maiza Waheed