Islamabad: The Pakistani Government on Friday urged vulnerable groups – children, the elderly, and asthma patients – to wear masks outdoors as air quality in the country deteriorates, as claimed by a news source on November 9.

According to Zameen.Com, rising PM 2.5 levels, measured at 186 micrograms per cubic meter (well above the safe limit of 35), have raised health concerns, particularly for those at higher risk.

Pak-EPA official Dr. Zaigham Abbas noted that ongoing construction, traffic emissions, and waste burning contribute significantly to pollution. Authorities are also addressing emissions from nearby brick kilns and diesel vehicles.

Pak-EPA is engaging stakeholders to enforce pollution control, while also advocating for the halting of open garbage burning and requiring environmental assessments for major projects in the city.