Tue Nov 12 05:23:33 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan’s Smog Crisis Endangers Millions of Children
**Lahore, Pakistan** – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a stark warning about the health of 11 million children in Pakistan’s Punjab province, citing dangerous levels of air pollution that have reached record highs. The smog, which has shrouded Lahore and 17 other districts since last month, has been described by experts as a “fifth season” in recent years.
“This year’s extraordinary smog will have devastating effects, particularly on children and pregnant women,” said UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fadil. He urged the Pakistani government to take urgent and significant action to reduce air pollution.
Prior to the current crisis, air pollution was already responsible for 12% of deaths in children under five in Pakistan. The impact of the current smog, which has forced the closure of schools and parks, is still being assessed, but experts anticipate a significant rise in respiratory illnesses.
Multan, Punjab’s most polluted city, registered an air quality index reading of 800 on Monday, far exceeding the hazardous threshold of 300. Despite government mandates for face masks and a potential exploration of artificial rainfall, the smog situation remains dire.
The Pakistani government has implemented temporary measures to protect children, including school closures and park restrictions, but experts warn that a more comprehensive and long-term approach is needed to address this growing health crisis.
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