Thousands fall ill in eastern Pakistan due to heavy smog, forcing closure of schools, markets, parks November 09, 2023 at 12:11AM

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