Dense smog across Punjab has escalated into a full-blown health crisis, according to Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Friday, the minister highlighted the severe impact of toxic air pollution on public health and outlined the government's measures to combat the worsening situation,

With smog intensity escalating in Lahore at the end of October, affecting its 13 million residents, the Punjab government imposed a “green lockdown” and set up a “smog war room.”

Pakistan's Punjab declared a health emergency due to toxic smog on Friday, banning construction, shutting schools for another week and moving universities online, with a three-day lockdown possible, the province's senior minister said on Friday.

Pakistan's Punjab province declared a health emergency due to toxic smog on Friday, banning construction, shutting schools for another week and moving universities online, while hundreds of thousands of Muslims prayed for rain and forgiveness.

From banning tuk-tuks and barbecues to demolishing old brick kilns, Pakistan's government is pushing a series of measures to fight record-breaking smog.

Pakistan's Punjab government on Friday declared smog a “health crisis" and used artificial rain in several cities across the province in an effort to combat its hazardous levels, as millions reported breathing problems and other respiratory issues over the past month.

Punjab province in Pakistan has declared a health emergency and closed two cities due to severe smog affecting nearly 2 million people.