Vehicles move on road during heavy smog in eastern Pakistan's Lahore on Nov. 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Jamil Ahmed)
ISLAMABAD, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Severe smog has continued to engulf various parts of Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, resulting in road accidents and traffic disruption as well as health issues for the locals, local Urdu media reported on Saturday.
At least 15 people have been killed and scores of others injured in smog-related road accidents in the province over the last 48 hours, Geo News said, adding that the accidents occurred due to poor visibility.
Imran Shah, spokesperson for Motorway and National Highway Authority, said thick smog blanketed the central and south Punjab from Thursday, reducing visibility on the motorway and the national highway to near zero at various sections.
The Motorway and Highway Police have advised the drivers to drive slowly and switch on fog lights. The citizens have also been requested to stay home and avoid unnecessary travelling.
The dense haze also caused disruption of flight operations at the provincial capital Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad. Several flights were delayed and canceled due to low visibility.
Due to smog, the locals are facing severe health issues including breathing difficulties and throat and eye infections, said a medical practitioner, adding that we are recommending people to use spectacles and mask while going outside to keep away smog and pollutants entering their systems.
Many people have been forced to stay indoors, especially the elderly citizens and children due to smog.
Mohammad Riaz, chief meteorologist of Pakistan Metrological Department, said the smog is caused by a lack of rain and immense pollution. Smoke from vehicles, factories and burning of the remains of crops could be one of the major factors behind the dense smog in the province.
Provincial Minister for Environmental Protection Zakia Shahnawaz termed it a regional phenomenon being caused mainly by pollutants from India.
"There are local contributions, but they are lesser than the situation in India where rampant crop stubble burning itself is a huge problem," Zakia said.
Senior analysts from the metrological department are of opinion that a spell of heavy rains or strong winds could clear the smog.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Punjab Shehbaz Sharif has directed all departments concerned to take necessary measures to effectively deal with the prevailing situation. He has directed that recommendations of experts should be implemented to avoid ill-effects of smog.
