ISLAMABAD — As the smog season reaches its peak, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the Queen of Hills Murree and major cities across Punjab have come under the grip of alarming air pollution. With air pollution levels continuing to rise, the tourist areas of Murree and Galiyat have also been affected, severely damaging their otherwise pleasant environment.
The provincial capital has also been included among the world's most polluted cities. Outpatient departments of government hospitals are increasingly receiving patients suffering from asthma, respiratory problems, colds, coughs, sore throats and eye irritation. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Islamabad has reached 200, an extremely unhealthy level, while Murree has recorded an AQI of 125 and Rawalpindi 178.
Lahore's AQI has reached 639, while Multan has broken records by crossing the 1,000 mark. The index has reached 935 in Khanewal, 864 in Jhang, 779 in Rahim Yar Khan, 778 in Sahiwal, 764 in Arifwala and 463 in Faisalabad. Air pollution levels continue to rise.