Dense fog has covered several cities in Pakistan, including Lahore, causing major traffic disruptions and paralyzing daily life. The vision had become blurred as smog had engulfed the provincial metropolis, causing serious health problems for the citizens. Air pollution has become an increasingly deadly threat in Pakistan over the last five years, as a combination of low-grade diesel fumes, smoke from seasonal crop burn off, and colder winter temperatures combine with stagnant clouds of smog. Lahore, Pakistan’s third most polluted city, has made the list of the world’s top four most polluted cities.
November is usually the most challenging month. In general, air quality in the Lahore and Multan regions is mostly unhealthy from October to March, and hazardous on the worst days. Pakistan is already the world’s fourth most polluted country. Meeting WHO (World Health Organization) standards can increase average life expectancy in Pakistan by 4.3 years, 3.6 years in Karachi and 5.3 years in Lahore.