Pakistan's pollution crisis is worsening by the hour. So much so that toxic smog blanketing skies is now visible from space. Satellite imagery from NASA's worldview shows a vast, grey smog cloud stretching over Pakistan's Punjab province. According to health officials, 40,000 have sought treatment for respiratory issues. Moreover, UN has said the pollution crisis has its devastating impact on children and pregnant women. Watch this video to find out more.

Nasa Satellite Captures Toxic Smog Blanket Over Lahore, UN Says Worst Effects On Children

At least 16 people were killed and one woman was injured Tuesday when a bus carrying wedding guests fell into the Indus river in Pakistan's mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region, police said.

The incident took place at the Diamer district. The bus was travelling from Astore to Punjab's Chakwal district when it fell from the Telchi bridge into the river, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Diamer Senior Superintendent of Police Sher Khan confirmed that 16 bodies have been recovered, with search efforts ongoing for the remaining victims.

“Sixteen dead bodies have been recovered from the river, while the search for the remaining persons continues,” Khan was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiz0rHAmteJAxVps1YBHSY-JqwQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistani-pm-shahbaz-sharif-bypasses-own-x-ban-to-congratulate-trump-users-call-out-hypocrisy-774827" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistani-pm-shahbaz-sharif-bypasses-own-x-ban-to-congratulate-trump-users-call-out-hypocrisy-774827&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz0rHAmteJAxVps1YBHSY-JqwQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif bypasses own X ban to congratulate Trump, users call out hypocrisy</a>

He added that a woman, who was the bride, sustained injuries and was receiving treatment at a hospital.

However, rescue officials said that 22 people drowned, while one person was saved.

Sharing details of the accident earlier, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Shaukat Riaz said the bus coming from Astore fell into the Indus River from Telchi bridge in the limits of Diamer district in the afternoon.

“The vehicle was part of a wedding procession heading towards Punjab's Chakwal district,” he said.

He said the passengers who were on board the bus have been identified.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiz0rHAmteJAxVps1YBHSY-JqwQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-cities-record-highest-aqi-triggering-anxiety-and-anguish-775074" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-cities-record-highest-aqi-triggering-anxiety-and-anguish-775074&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz0rHAmteJAxVps1YBHSY-JqwQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Pakistan`s cities record highest AQI, triggering anxiety and anguish</a>

“Nineteen of them belonged to Astore, while four were from the Chakwal district of Punjab,” Riaz said.

President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed his grief and conveyed his condolences to the victims' relatives.

Road accidents are frequent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, exacerbated by harsh weather, rugged terrain, poorly maintained roads, overloaded vehicles, and minimal traffic regulations, the Dawn report said.

The narrow, winding routes and driver fatigue further elevate risk, making these regions especially accident-prone.

In October, two people were killed and 36 others were injured when a Rawalpindi-bound passenger bus fell into a ravine in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Upper Kohistan area.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

At least 16 people were killed and one woman was injured Tuesday when a bus carrying wedding guests fell into the Indus river in Pakistan's mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region, police said.

At least 16 people were killed and one woman was injured Tuesday when a bus carrying wedding guests fell into the Indus river in Pakistan's mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region, police said. The incident took place at the Diamer district. The bus was travelling from Astore to Punjab's Chakwal district when it fell from the Telchi bridge into the river, the Dawn newspaper reported. Diamer Senior Superintendent of Police Sher Khan confirmed that 16 bodies have been recovered, with search efforts ongoing for the remaining victims. “Sixteen dead bodies have been recovered from the river, while the search for the remaining persons continues,” Khan was quoted as saying by the newspaper. Also read: Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif bypasses own X ban to congratulate Trump, users call out hypocrisy He added that a woman, who was the bride, sustained injuries and was receiving treatment at a hospital. However, rescue officials said that 22 people drowned, while one person was saved. Sharing details of the accident earlier, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Shaukat Riaz said the bus coming from Astore fell into the Indus River from Telchi bridge in the limits of Diamer district in the afternoon. “The vehicle was part of a wedding procession heading towards Punjab's Chakwal district,” he said. He said the passengers who were on board the bus have been identified. Also read: Pakistan`s cities record highest AQI, triggering anxiety and anguish “Nineteen of them belonged to Astore, while four were from the Chakwal district of Punjab,” Riaz said. President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed his grief and conveyed his condolences to the victims' relatives. Road accidents are frequent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, exacerbated by harsh weather, rugged terrain, poorly maintained roads, overloaded vehicles, and minimal traffic regulations, the Dawn report said. The narrow, winding routes and driver fatigue further elevate risk, making these regions especially accident-prone. In October, two people were killed and 36 others were injured when a Rawalpindi-bound passenger bus fell into a ravine in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Upper Kohistan area. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pakistan: 16 dead as bus carrying wedding guests plunges into Indus river

Following the deadly attacks in Karachi on November 5, China expressed strong support for Pakistan, condemning the violence and offering condolences to the victims. Beijing reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral ties and assisting Pakistan in combating terrorism, highlighting the resilience of their strategic partnership amid security challenges.

China Praises Pakistan After Nov 5 Karachi Attacks

In Pakistan, schools have been closed in the main cities of Punjab province, including the capital Lahore, until November 17 in a bid to lower children's exposure to pollution, especially during the morning commute when it is often at its highest. This comes as the UN Children's Agency warned that the health of 11 million children in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province is in danger due to air pollution, which experts say has become a fifth season in recent years. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan: Lahore's Record Smog Triggers Anxiety and Anguish

The Pakistan Cricket Board has now written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), maintaining its stance of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy next year, with or without India. This comes after India informed the ICC on Sunday that they would not travel to Pakistan for the ICC event. Watch in for more details!

ICC Champions Trophy: PCB Maintains Its Stance Of Hosting The Event In Pakistan

Pakistan Air Pollution: Lahore's Air Quality Crisis Worsens, Prompting School Closures

Pakistan on Sunday announced an expansion in intelligence-based operations across the restive Balochistan province to tackle the escalating threat of militancy. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan Expands Intelligence-Based Operations Across Balochistan | GRAVITAS

Pakistan's counterterrorism department has confirmed in its preliminary report that the blast in Quetta on Saturday that killed 27 people was a suicide terror attack. Dozens of people injured in the attack are in various hospitals in Quetta.

Pakistan: Sharp Rise In Terror Attack; Pak Railways Suspends Services To Quetta

Air pollution levels in Pakistan are hitting new highs every day. Multan in Pakistan recorded an AQI of over 1900 this morning, which falls in the dangerous category and is several times that of WHO's safety limit. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan Air Pollution: Air Quality Index In Multan Hovering At 1,900

Pakistan: Quetta Railway Station Suicide Blast Resounds, 27 Killed

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in major Pakistani cities like Multan continues to remain poor at alarmingly high levels of over 1900 as a thick blanket of smog covers the region.

According to the news agency ANI, Lahore recorded an AQI of 760, while Multan recorded a AQI of 1914, becoming the most polluted city in the world. The city had crossed the 2000 mark on AQI on Friday, November 8.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/three-year-old-girl-files-petition-against-pakistan-government-as-air-quality-becomes-hazardous-774641">Three-year-old girl files petition against Pakistan government as air quality becomes hazardous</a>

Heavy smog in Lahore led to widespread road closures due to poor visibility, which resulted in multiple accidents. According to ANI, at least 9 people were injured in a road collision near Kalashah Kako on GT Road, Mureed K.

Lahore High Court has ordered all markets and trade activities to remain closed ton Sunday (Nov 10), while markets have been directed close&nbsp;by 8 pm on the rest of the days for a week.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Air Pollution: Air Quality Index In Multan Hovering At 1,900

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Authorities failed to control the pollution levels in the cities until now while the residents also did not wear masks. However, the Punjab government is now implementing measures to control the situation and has issued a high alert.

Educational institutions and schools up to higher secondary have been closed until November 17. The government has also ordered museums and parks to remain closed till November 17.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-shows-improvement-but-remains-in-very-poor-category-774873">Delhi's air quality shows improvement but remains in 'very poor' category</a>

Pakistani cities are dealing with high levels of PM2.5 particles at 947 µg/m3, which is over 180 times as per the WHO limit. WHO recommends 24-hour average exposure should not exceed 15 µg/m3 for over 3-4 in a year. This fine particulate matter in the air can lead to harmful effects for humans and prove hazardous to health.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in major Pakistani cities like Multan continues to remain poor at alarmingly high levels of over 1900 as a thick blanket of smog covers the region.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in major Pakistani cities like Multan continues to remain poor at alarmingly high levels of over 1900 as a thick blanket of smog covers the region. According to the news agency ANI, Lahore recorded an AQI of 760, while Multan recorded a AQI of 1914, becoming the most polluted city in the world. The city had crossed the 2000 mark on AQI on Friday, November 8. Also read | Three-year-old girl files petition against Pakistan government as air quality becomes hazardous Heavy smog in Lahore led to widespread road closures due to poor visibility, which resulted in multiple accidents. According to ANI, at least 9 people were injured in a road collision near Kalashah Kako on GT Road, Mureed K. Lahore High Court has ordered all markets and trade activities to remain closed ton Sunday (Nov 10), while markets have been directed close by 8 pm on the rest of the days for a week. Watch | Pakistan Air Pollution: Air Quality Index In Multan Hovering At 1,900 × Authorities failed to control the pollution levels in the cities until now while the residents also did not wear masks. However, the Punjab government is now implementing measures to control the situation and has issued a high alert. Educational institutions and schools up to higher secondary have been closed until November 17. The government has also ordered museums and parks to remain closed till November 17. Also read | Delhi's air quality shows improvement but remains in 'very poor' category Pakistani cities are dealing with high levels of PM2.5 particles at 947 µg/m3, which is over 180 times as per the WHO limit. WHO recommends 24-hour average exposure should not exceed 15 µg/m3 for over 3-4 in a year. This fine particulate matter in the air can lead to harmful effects for humans and prove hazardous to health. (With inputs from agencies)

Multan’s AQI remains at 1900 as thick smog blankets Pakistan

The smog situation continues to worsen in Pakistan's Punjab. On Friday morning, the city of Multan turned apocalyptic as the city crossed the 2000 mark on Air Quality Index reading, as per Dawn.

The state government of Pakistan's Punjab is on high alert and is implementing various measures to bring down the pollution levels.

The state closed parks and museums till November 17 as air quality worsened to record levels in all major cities of Punjab.

According to Dawn, Multan, the largest city in south Punjab province of Pakistan, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 2,135 between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitor.

The concentration of PM2.5 –&nbsp;fine particulate matter in the air that causes the most damage to health –&nbsp;was 947 micrograms per cubic metre, which is 189.4 times above the WHO guideline, as per IQAir.

The global health body considers anything over five micrograms per cubic metre as hazardous.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-20-people-killed-over-40-others-injured-in-blast-at-railway-station-in-pakistans-quetta-774758">&nbsp;Blast at Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan: Death toll at 26, BLA claims responsibility for attack</a>

The AQI in Multan reached 980 by 10:00 pm, at least three times over the 300 mark considered "hazardous".

Three air quality monitors in the city at the WWF-Pakistan Office, Shamsabad Colony and Multan Cantonment showed AQI readings of 2,316, 1,635 and 1,527, respectively, at 10:00 pm, as per Dawn.

The smog situation in Multan's surrounding districts of Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, and Khanewal was also the same, resulting in reduced visibility on roads. The state of affairs has led to Nishtar Hospital, Multan's biggest medical facility, establishing two smog counters in the OPD and Emergency wards due to hazardous air quality.

However, these counters did not receive any patients until Pakistani media outlets raised the issue.

Multan's Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu on Friday imposed a 'smart lockdown' in the city. According to this, the markets have been directed to close by 8 pm and the traffic police is to take strict action against vehicles emitting smoke.

The city administration has also directed a crackdown against stubble and waste burning and brick kilns operating without zig zag technology.

Residents of the city informed Dawn that the rules were being flouted as children were playing in the grounds and streets as the schools were closed. Citizens also complained of sore throat due to bad air quality.

Meanwhile, the AQI in Lahore was also reported above 1,000 at 12:00 am, making it the most polluted city in the world.

According to Dawn, a "complete ban" has been imposed on the entry of people in parks, zoos, playgrounds, monuments, museums and play lands in cities like Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Chiniot and Jhang.

An official notification issued on Friday said the violators would face action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which criminalised disobedience of government orders.

Public and private schools in 18 districts of the province have already been shut.

Even though industrial and vehicular emissions and stubble burning were resulting in smog, this wind pool also had turned the situation worse, according to the EPCCD secretary.

Pakistan Punjab's senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said steps were being taken to curb the smog. These include covering all cargo trucks with tarps, advising children to not go outdoors and imposing fines and penalties on those who flouted the rules.

Additionally, several food stalls and outlets have been closed for "violating environmental regulations".

Several key roads were also closed in the south and central regions of Pakistan's Punjab as the area was badly affected due to the thick smog.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The smog situation continues to worsen in Pakistan's Punjab. On Friday morning, the city of Multan turned apocalyptic as the city crossed the 2000 mark on Air Quality Index reading, as per Dawn.

The smog situation continues to worsen in Pakistan's Punjab. On Friday morning, the city of Multan turned apocalyptic as the city crossed the 2000 mark on Air Quality Index reading, as per Dawn. The state government of Pakistan's Punjab is on high alert and is implementing various measures to bring down the pollution levels. The state closed parks and museums till November 17 as air quality worsened to record levels in all major cities of Punjab. According to Dawn, Multan, the largest city in south Punjab province of Pakistan, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 2,135 between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitor. The concentration of PM2.5 – fine particulate matter in the air that causes the most damage to health – was 947 micrograms per cubic metre, which is 189.4 times above the WHO guideline, as per IQAir. The global health body considers anything over five micrograms per cubic metre as hazardous. Also Read | Blast at Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan: Death toll at 26, BLA claims responsibility for attack The AQI in Multan reached 980 by 10:00 pm, at least three times over the 300 mark considered "hazardous". Three air quality monitors in the city at the WWF-Pakistan Office, Shamsabad Colony and Multan Cantonment showed AQI readings of 2,316, 1,635 and 1,527, respectively, at 10:00 pm, as per Dawn. The smog situation in Multan's surrounding districts of Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, and Khanewal was also the same, resulting in reduced visibility on roads. The state of affairs has led to Nishtar Hospital, Multan's biggest medical facility, establishing two smog counters in the OPD and Emergency wards due to hazardous air quality. However, these counters did not receive any patients until Pakistani media outlets raised the issue. Multan's Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu on Friday imposed a 'smart lockdown' in the city. According to this, the markets have been directed to close by 8 pm and the traffic police is to take strict action against vehicles emitting smoke. The city administration has also directed a crackdown against stubble and waste burning and brick kilns operating without zig zag technology. Residents of the city informed Dawn that the rules were being flouted as children were playing in the grounds and streets as the schools were closed. Citizens also complained of sore throat due to bad air quality. Meanwhile, the AQI in Lahore was also reported above 1,000 at 12:00 am, making it the most polluted city in the world. According to Dawn, a "complete ban" has been imposed on the entry of people in parks, zoos, playgrounds, monuments, museums and play lands in cities like Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Chiniot and Jhang. An official notification issued on Friday said the violators would face action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which criminalised disobedience of government orders. Public and private schools in 18 districts of the province have already been shut. Even though industrial and vehicular emissions and stubble burning were resulting in smog, this wind pool also had turned the situation worse, according to the EPCCD secretary. Pakistan Punjab's senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said steps were being taken to curb the smog. These include covering all cargo trucks with tarps, advising children to not go outdoors and imposing fines and penalties on those who flouted the rules. Additionally, several food stalls and outlets have been closed for "violating environmental regulations". Several key roads were also closed in the south and central regions of Pakistan's Punjab as the area was badly affected due to the thick smog. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pakistan cities under ‘lockdown’ as Multan’s AQI crosses 2100 mark

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Pakistan's capital city is choking. Over the weekend, the air quality index in Lahore hit a record high and touched 1900 near the Pakistan-India border. Reports say, more than 900 people have been admitted to hospital in a single day in Lahore. Is Lahore turning into a poisonous gas chamber? Watch this video to find out.

Pakistan: Toxic Smogs Chokes Pakistan's Lahore, Hundreds Complain Of Irritation

BREAKING: Bomb Blast In Pakistan Quetta Railway Station; At Least 20 killed, 40 injured

Bomb Blast In Pakistan Quetta Railway Station; At Least 20 killed, 40 injured

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Pakistan's Inflation Outranked Other Asian Nations In Past Few Years

A three-year-old girl has filed a petition against the local government in Pakistan's Punjab as the province, especially its capital Lahore, continues to reel under the severe impact of smog, keeping the air quality in an extremely hazardous zone.

On Thursday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Lahore stayed on top of the global rankings with levels crossing much above the 800-mark, making the air seriously dangerous for the residents.

As per the Swiss air quality monitor IQAir, Lahore has been on top of the cities with the world's highest AQI. The levels have even exceeded the 1000 mark on many occasions.

The extended and prolonged bad weather has made it impossible for citizens to venture out of their homes. The hospitals too are getting filled up with people suffering from respiratory issues. The bad air quality has left thousands of citizens of the province vulnerable to respiratory diseases with the provincial government and doctors advising all to wear masks whenever they venture out of their homes.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pm-modi-mocks-maha-vikas-aghadi-as-vehicle-without-wheels-or-brakes-at-maharashtra-rally-774626">India: PM Modi mocks Maha Vikas Aghadi as ‘vehicle without wheels or brakes’ at Maharashtra rally</a>

The provincial government has imposed a smog emergency across the province and has shut down all educational institutions up to the higher secondary level in Lahore and other districts till November 17.

Meanwhile, a three-year-old girl reached out to the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday, filing a case against the provincial government over its failure to control air pollution.

The petitioner, Amal Sekhera, through her lawyer, maintained in the petition that young children and the elderly are severely affected by air pollution and sought justice for herself, friends and future generations.

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"Under Article 99-A of the Constitution, the government is obligated to provide citizens with a clean and healthy environment," the petition stated.

The petition criticised the Punjab government for failing to protect the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan.

Punjab government's senior provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb has said that the intensity of the smog is expected to continue for at least 10 more days, due to which the educational institutions have been shut down and people have been advised to wear masks.

Many other cities like Multan and Gujranwala are also severely impacted by the ongoing weather conditions.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A three-year-old girl has filed a petition against the local government in Pakistan's Punjab as the province, especially its capital Lahore, continues to reel under the severe impact of smog, keeping the air quality in an extremely hazardous zone.

A three-year-old girl has filed a petition against the local government in Pakistan's Punjab as the province, especially its capital Lahore, continues to reel under the severe impact of smog, keeping the air quality in an extremely hazardous zone. On Thursday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Lahore stayed on top of the global rankings with levels crossing much above the 800-mark, making the air seriously dangerous for the residents. As per the Swiss air quality monitor IQAir, Lahore has been on top of the cities with the world's highest AQI. The levels have even exceeded the 1000 mark on many occasions. The extended and prolonged bad weather has made it impossible for citizens to venture out of their homes. The hospitals too are getting filled up with people suffering from respiratory issues. The bad air quality has left thousands of citizens of the province vulnerable to respiratory diseases with the provincial government and doctors advising all to wear masks whenever they venture out of their homes. Also Read | India: PM Modi mocks Maha Vikas Aghadi as ‘vehicle without wheels or brakes’ at Maharashtra rally The provincial government has imposed a smog emergency across the province and has shut down all educational institutions up to the higher secondary level in Lahore and other districts till November 17. Meanwhile, a three-year-old girl reached out to the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday, filing a case against the provincial government over its failure to control air pollution. The petitioner, Amal Sekhera, through her lawyer, maintained in the petition that young children and the elderly are severely affected by air pollution and sought justice for herself, friends and future generations. Also Read | India: UP panel suggests 'no male tailor should take women’s measurements' for safety "Under Article 99-A of the Constitution, the government is obligated to provide citizens with a clean and healthy environment," the petition stated. The petition criticised the Punjab government for failing to protect the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. Punjab government's senior provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb has said that the intensity of the smog is expected to continue for at least 10 more days, due to which the educational institutions have been shut down and people have been advised to wear masks. Many other cities like Multan and Gujranwala are also severely impacted by the ongoing weather conditions. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Three-year-old girl files petition against Pakistan government as air quality becomes hazardous

Authorities in the Pakistani province of Punjab have ordered educational institutions in several areas to close until November 17, and they have further shifted to online teaching to protect children and curb pollution....

Pak Air Pollution: Schools Shut, Barbecue Restaurants Curbed

Pakistan has passed an amendment that will extend the terms of army Chiefs from 3 years to five. Watch to know more.

Pakistan Approves Bill To Extend Army Chief's Tenure

Air pollution in Pakistan's second biggest city Lahore has worsened with an official calling it a record high for the smoke choked city. Watch this report to know more.

Pakistan: 14 Million People Enveloped By Smog

The city of Lahore in Pakistan will close primary schools for a week due to&nbsp;record pollution, government authorities said Sunday, to avoid exposing millions of children to smog several times above levels deemed dangerous.

For days, the city of 14 million people has been enveloped by smog, a mix of fog and pollutants caused by low-grade diesel fumes, smoke from seasonal agricultural burning and winter cooling.

The air quality index, which measures a range of pollutants, exceeded 1,000 on Saturday –- well above the level of 300 considered "dangerous" –- according to data from IQAir. The Punjab government also recorded peaks of over 1,000 on Sunday, which it considered "unprecedented".

"Weather forecast for the next six days shows that wind patterns will remain the same. Therefore, we are closing all government and private primary schools in Lahore for a week," Jahangir Anwar, a senior environmental protection official in Lahore, told&nbsp;AFP.

"All the classes" for children up to the age of 10, "public, private &amp; special education... shall remain closed for one week" from Monday until Saturday, read a local government decision seen by&nbsp;AFP.

The decision added that the situation will be assessed again next Saturday to determine whether to extend the school closure.

"This smog is very harmful for children. Masks should be mandatory in schools. We are keeping an eye on the health of children in senior classes," Punjab senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb told a news conference Sunday.

Smog counters have been established in hospitals, she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/five-including-three-children-killed-in-blast-in-pakistans-balochistan-police-772459">Blast in Pak's Balochistan: Death toll rises to seven, CM condemns explosion</a>

Breathing the toxic air has catastrophic health consequences, with the WHO saying strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases can be triggered by prolonged exposure.

<h2>Children particularly vulnerable&nbsp;</h2>

On Saturday, the concentration of deadly PM2.5 pollutants -- fine particulate matter in the air that causes most damage to health -- was more than 40 times the level deemed acceptable by the World Health Organisation. PM2.5 levels on Sunday morning exceeded that before decreasing slightly.

Last week, the provincial environmental protection agency announced new restrictions in four "hot spots" in the city.

Tuk-tuks equipped with polluting two-stroke engines are banned, as are restaurants that barbecue without filters.

Government offices and private companies will have half their staff work from home starting Monday.

Children are particularly vulnerable because they have less developed lungs and breathe more rapidly, taking in more air relative to their size than adults.

Last month, authorities banned schoolchildren from outdoor exercise until January and adjusted school hours to prevent children from travelling when the pollution is most punishing.&nbsp;

Pollution in excess of levels deemed safe by the WHO shortens the life expectancy of Lahore residents by an average of 7.5 years, according to the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute.

According to UNICEF, nearly 600 million children in South Asia are exposed to high levels of air pollution, and half of childhood pneumonia deaths are associated with air pollution.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The city of Lahore in Pakistan will close primary schools for a week due to record pollution, government authorities said Sunday, to avoid exposing millions of children to smog several times above levels deemed dangerous.

The city of Lahore in Pakistan will close primary schools for a week due to record pollution, government authorities said Sunday, to avoid exposing millions of children to smog several times above levels deemed dangerous. For days, the city of 14 million people has been enveloped by smog, a mix of fog and pollutants caused by low-grade diesel fumes, smoke from seasonal agricultural burning and winter cooling. The air quality index, which measures a range of pollutants, exceeded 1,000 on Saturday –- well above the level of 300 considered "dangerous" –- according to data from IQAir. The Punjab government also recorded peaks of over 1,000 on Sunday, which it considered "unprecedented". "Weather forecast for the next six days shows that wind patterns will remain the same. Therefore, we are closing all government and private primary schools in Lahore for a week," Jahangir Anwar, a senior environmental protection official in Lahore, told AFP. "All the classes" for children up to the age of 10, "public, private & special education... shall remain closed for one week" from Monday until Saturday, read a local government decision seen by AFP. The decision added that the situation will be assessed again next Saturday to determine whether to extend the school closure. "This smog is very harmful for children. Masks should be mandatory in schools. We are keeping an eye on the health of children in senior classes," Punjab senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb told a news conference Sunday. Smog counters have been established in hospitals, she added. Also read: Blast in Pak's Balochistan: Death toll rises to seven, CM condemns explosion Breathing the toxic air has catastrophic health consequences, with the WHO saying strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases can be triggered by prolonged exposure. Children particularly vulnerable On Saturday, the concentration of deadly PM2.5 pollutants -- fine particulate matter in the air that causes most damage to health -- was more than 40 times the level deemed acceptable by the World Health Organisation. PM2.5 levels on Sunday morning exceeded that before decreasing slightly. Last week, the provincial environmental protection agency announced new restrictions in four "hot spots" in the city. Tuk-tuks equipped with polluting two-stroke engines are banned, as are restaurants that barbecue without filters. Government offices and private companies will have half their staff work from home starting Monday. Children are particularly vulnerable because they have less developed lungs and breathe more rapidly, taking in more air relative to their size than adults. Last month, authorities banned schoolchildren from outdoor exercise until January and adjusted school hours to prevent children from travelling when the pollution is most punishing. Pollution in excess of levels deemed safe by the WHO shortens the life expectancy of Lahore residents by an average of 7.5 years, according to the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute. According to UNICEF, nearly 600 million children in South Asia are exposed to high levels of air pollution, and half of childhood pneumonia deaths are associated with air pollution. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Record-breaking pollution forces Lahore to shut down primary schools for a week

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