"Pollution Crisis: Lahore Lockdown as Smog Sickens Thousands"

Lahore, Pakistan's second most populous city, has shut down schools, public parks, malls, and offices as pollution levels reach hazardous levels, with an air quality index (AQI) exceeding 400. The Punjab province has declared an environmental and health emergency in three cities, including Lahore, affecting over 15 million people. This comes after New Delhi, India, experienced severe smog due to crop burning and industrial pollution. Other major Indian cities, including Kolkata and Mumbai, also ranked among the world's most polluted cities. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, also faces high pollution levels. The PM2.5 levels in these cities far exceed WHO limits, posing significant health risks. Efforts to address the issue, such as restricting transport and construction, have had limited long-term impact.