By Tuesday, it was widely reported 900 people had been admitted to hospital in Lahore with breathing difficulties.
“More and more people are coming with complaints of asthma, itchy throats and coughing,” says Dr Irfan Malik, a pulmonologist at one of the biggest hospitals in Lahore.
He has already seen a surge in patients complaining of respiratory tract illnesses – “particularly worrying because we have not yet seen our first cold wave of the winter season”.
The danger is a constant concern for Lahore resident Sadia Kashif.
“Like every mother, I want to see my children run and play without fearing pollution,” she tells the BBC.
“I see my children struggle with coughs and breathing problems these days, and it is a painful reminder that our air has become extremely toxic.”
But the current “green lockdown” has left her unimpressed.
“It is easy for the government to shut down school rather than taking real steps to address the crisis,” says Kashif.
