Toxic gray smog has sickened tens of thousands of people in Pakistan’s cultural capital of Lahore, forcing authorities to shut schools, markets and parks for four days, officials said Thursday.

The decision came after the country's second-largest city was repeatedly ranked the world’s most polluted city. Doctors advised people to wear face masks and stay at home. Residents said many people were coughing and having breathing problems.

"Wearing of marks and staying at home are the two easiest solutions to avoid getting rushed to hospitals with respiratory-related diseases, infections in eyes and skin diseases," said Salman Kazmi, a doctor at Lahore's main Mayo Hospital, where thousands of people were treated for such ailments this week.

PAKISTAN LAUNCHES CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, ECHOING US DEBATE AMID TERROR CONCERNS

On Thursday, the concentration of PM 2.5, or tiny particulate matter, in the air approached 450, considered hazardous.

AIR POLLUTION MORE DEADLY THAN SMOKING, NEW STUDY FINDS

Experts say the burning of crop residue at the start of the winter wheat-planting season is a key cause of the pollution.

Lahore was once known as the city of gardens, which were ubiquitous during the Mughal era of the 16th to 19th centuries. But rapid urbanization and surging population growth have left little room for greenery in the city.

GETTING PERSONAL – Haley calls Ramaswamy 'scum' over daughter jibe as candidates clash at GOP debate. Continue reading …

HISTORIC VICTORY – GOP flips New York seat Democrats held for decades, causing ‘political earthquake.’ Continue reading …

TARGET ELIMINATED – Head of Hamas' anti-tank missile unit killed in Israeli airstrike, says IDF. Continue reading …

‘TIME FOR A CHANGE’ – Gov. Sarah Sanders makes major endorsement in 2024 Republican presidential race. Continue reading …

‘HIGH-END BROTHEL’ – Prosecutors allege tech execs, politicians among clients of busted prostitution ring. Continue reading …

DIRTY DOLLARS – GOP lawmaker probes connection between pro-Palestinian charities and Hamas. Continue reading …

‘VIRTUALLY UNWATCHED’ – GOP lawmaker sounds alarm on growing threats to northern border. Continue reading …

‘ORWELLIAN’ – Biden admin rolls out 'breathtaking' gender pronoun policy one expert says violates the law. Continue reading …

‘I DON’T RECALL' – Ivanka Trump testifies she was not involved in discussions about her father's financial statements. Continue reading … 

Click here for more cartoons…

BRUSH WITH POLICE – German officer accused of painting climate activist's face. Continue reading …

HEARTS TAKE FLIGHT – Passport Bros: More Americans ditching stateside women for romance abroad. Continue reading …

ON THE ONE HAND – NYT accused of ‘both-siding’ pro-Palestinian protesters tearing down posters of kidnapped civilians. Continue reading …

‘SETTING US BACK’ – Parents concerned for their kids' education and more amid Portland's teacher strike. Continue reading …

SHORT QUESTIONS – Carley Shimkus, co-host, mom and author, reveals some of her biggest challenges. Continue reading …

RICHARD GOLDBERG AND ENIA KRIVINE – Stop the UN from enabling Hamas war crimes. Continue reading …

JAMES JAY CARAFANO – Can America protect Americans in the Gulf? Continue reading …

 

LAURA INGRAHAM – Republicans were outspent in all of these races. Continue reading …

JESSE WATTERS – Are we going to be using these same machines next year? Continue reading …

SEAN HANNITY – Republicans need a coherent strategy to counter the abortion narrative. Continue reading …

GREG GUTFELD – House censures Rashida Tlaib in a bipartisan vote, 'we'll take it.' Continue reading …

GIDDY UP – 'Seinfeld' star addresses outburst that led to 'lifelong spiritual quest.' Continue reading …

PANDEMIC FALLOUT – COVID lockdowns increased ADHD risk among children. Continue reading …

BEST OF THE BEST – Top sports cities in America for 2023 unveiled. Continue reading …

SLIPPERY WHEN WET – Watch as young elephant at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas has a grand old time in the rain. See video …
 

JOHN YOO – Biden investigation has a 'documentary record.' See video …

BROOKE GOLDSTEIN – Pro-Hamas indoctrination is a very real threat we are facing. See video …
 

What’s it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn
 

Fox News First

Fox News Opinion

Fox News Lifestyle

Fox News Entertainment (FOX411)

Fox Business

Fox Weather

Fox Sports

Tubi

Fox News Go

Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We’ll see you in your inbox first thing Friday.