Smog spikes eye, respiratory ailments

LAHORE:

Vehicles move on a road shrouded in smog on the morning of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in New Delhi, India, October 20, 2025 Photo: Reuters

Vehari

Smog in Vehari city and its surroundings has made breathing unsafe for residents in the mornings and evenings.

The number of local people suffering from various diseases has also increased.

The intensity of smog is increasing day by day in the city as well as suburban areas, including Khanewal Road, Multan Road, Luddan, Machhiwal, Thingi and Pappi Adda, with the atmosphere polluted to a dangerous level.

A citizen said it was particularly difficult to breathe smoothly outdoors during the morning and evening hours due to smog.

A physician, Dr Abdul Rauf Khalid, said there had been an increase due to the smog in patients suffering from eye irritation, throat problems, cough and breathing difficulties. Children, elderly people and asthma patients are the most affected.

He advised citizens to avoid leaving homes unnecessarily, wear masks outside, wash eyes and face with clean water, and immediately consult a doctor if their condition worsens.

Local residents alleged that the major causes of smog in the area included burning of crop stubble and smoke emitted from brick kilns and rice mills, which were still polluting the atmosphere. They said the situation was worsening.