Heavy polluted haze covers urban areas in Pakistan

Heavy smog loaded with pollutants has covered several urban areas in eastern Pakistan, causing breathing problems. In late November, Pakistan's second largest city, Lahore, ranked top most polluted city on the pollution index, according to a Swiss air monitoring group.

Winds worsen the pollution by further spreading smog across the region. With scores of residents reporting respiratory problems and irritated eyes, doctors are advising residents to try to stay indoors and wear face masks outside. Earlier on Friday, Lahore's high court ordered the government to consider early school winter vacations due to rising level of smog in the city.

Average air pollution in Pakistan major cities is about four times higher than the World Health Organization limits. Rafay Alam, an environmental expert who has been campaigning to create awareness among people about the dangers of increasing pollution, said "Millions of life are risk" over the issue.