Pakistan's second largest city, Lahore is the air pollution is so bad that 
it stings your eyes and makes it hard to breathe. Many people can't afford 
air purifiers to keep the harmful particles out of their homes.



Lahore, with a population of 14 million and many factories near the Indian border, 
often ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. This month, however, 
the pollution levels have reached new highs.



To protect children from pollution, schools in Punjab's major cities will 
remain closed until November 17. This is especially important during peak traffic 
hours when pollution levels are usually at their worst.



"The kids are always coughing and have constant allergies. In schools, 
we noticed that most of them were falling sick," said Rafia Iqbal, a 38-year-old 
teacher in Lahore.