Rawalpindi, Nov. 7 -- Severe smog and worsening air quality have engulfed several major cities across Pakistan's Punjab province, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, exposing residents to serious health risks.

The worsening pollution has triggered a surge in respiratory illnesses, asthma, throat infections, eye irritation, colds and persistent coughing, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, the scale of the health emergency is becoming increasingly evident in Rawalpindi, where 2,961 patients suffering from smog-related ailments sought treatment at the outpatient departments and emergency wards of three allied hospitals within just 48 hours.

Most of those affected were elderly men and women, highlighting ...