Pakistan, Dec. 30 -- Punjab faced a severe smog crisis in 2025, affecting over 20 million people across the province. Lahore was hardest hit, with more than 600,000 residents seeking medical treatment. Other major cities including Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala reported over 1.8 million cases of respiratory and related illnesses.

Children, elderly, daily-wage workers, and those with pre-existing conditions were most vulnerable. Hospitals were overwhelmed with patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic coughing. Doctors also reported worsening of heart disease, diabetes, and eye conditions due to prolonged pollution exposure.

Experts said the smog resulted from vehicle emissions, industrial polluti...