The Embassy of Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted a grand reception today to commemorate Pakistan's National Day, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior UAE government officials, Emirati nationals, and the Pakistani community. His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh. The event featured traditional performances, including the national anthems of Pakistan and the UAE played on traditional instruments. The Pakistani flag was prominently displayed on the hotel building, visible across Abu Dhabi, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations . In his address, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi reflected on the significance of the Pakistan Resolution and the challenges faced by the nascent state in its journey toward socio-economic development. He highlighted various opportuni...
In the heart of a bustling Lahore hospital, parents anxiously wait with their ailing children, victims of a rising tide of pollution-related health issues. In the past month alone, pediatric patients suffering from respiratory problems have surged by at least 50%, amplifying concerns about the air quality crisis.
Lahore’s Garden City legacy is now veiled in a thick smog, earning it the dubious title of the world’s worst air quality last year. As winter descended in November, air pollution soared, with hazardous conditions persisting for 24 out of the last 30 days.
Parents like Mohamad Qadeer and his wife, Shazma, grapple with the anguish of watching their young daughters, Rameen and Inaaya, struggle to breathe. Despite efforts to protect them with masks and limiting outdoor exposure, the relentless pollution took a toll on their health.
Dr. Maria Iftikhar from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital’s pediatric department notes that this year’s situation is notably worse, impacting the children’s well-being significantly.
The city’s 11 million residents find themselves navigating through streets cloaked in haze, exacerbating the crisis during cooler months. Temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, intensifying the health risks.
The UN Children’s Agency underscores the vulnerability of children to air pollution. In 2019 alone, outdoor air pollution contributed to 154,000 deaths among children under five globally. In Pakistan, it ranks among the top five causes of death, with the youngest and oldest citizens being the most severely affected.
Shazia, cradling her nine-month-old son Mohammad, emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention: “The government should take strong measures because small kids are suffering.”
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