The Met Department has issued an advisory warning of potential smog affecting various regions of the country from mid-November to December.
According to the advisory, the smog may lead to significant health risks and worsening air pollution, particularly in cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, and Faisalabad. The department has also cautioned that the smog could exacerbate respiratory conditions, including asthma.
Smog also causes travel disruptions due to reduced visibility, according to the Met Department.
Meanwhile, Lahore's air quality has reached hazardous levels, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) recording an alarming 367, making it the most polluted city in the world.
According to international air monitoring agencies, the concentration of harmful chemicals in the atmosphere is 50 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels.
The worst-affected areas include Defense Phase 8, where the AQI hit a dangerous 443. Walton and its surrounding localities recorded an index of 362, while other areas like Davies Road (296), Wapda Town (292), and Cantt (284) also reported extremely high pollution levels.
The air in Lahore is laden with dangerous substances like sulfate, nitrate, and carbon, posing severe health risks. Medical experts warn that the city's air has essentially become "poisonous" to breathe, and they strongly advise citizens to wear filtered masks when venturing outdoors to protect themselves from the toxic pollutants.
