UNICEF urges Pakistan to address hazardous air pollution threatening 11 million children
Islamabad: UNICEF's Pakistan representative, Abdullah Fadil, has raised urgent concerns about the severe health risks faced by approximately 11 million children in Punjab, who are currently exposed to hazardous air. Fadil appealed to the Pakistan government to implement immediate measures to mitigate the worsening air pollution, which is particularly endangering young children and expectant mothers.
Fadil stated, "I am extremely concerned about the well-being of young children who are forced to breathe polluted, toxic air," noting that over 11 million children under five are at risk in the most affected districts. He added that even before this year's severe smog, air pollution accounted for 12% of deaths among children under five, a figure likely to rise given the current crisis.
Highlighting additional dangers, Fadil mentioned that pregnant women exposed to polluted air face increased risks of premature births, respiratory issues, and low birth weights in infants. He stressed the need for urgent intervention to secure the health, education, and well-being of Pakistan's children, asserting that clean air is an essential right for every child.
According to Dawn, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Punjab has reached critical levels, with Sialkot and six other districts recording AQI scores above 400, and one district reaching a staggering 774. In response, local authorities have closed schools until November 17 and restricted public access to parks, zoos, playgrounds, and museums to reduce exposure.
UNICEF's Islamabad office also reported unprecedented pollution levels in cities like Lahore and Multan, with hospitals admitting numerous patients, including young children, suffering from air pollution-related ailments.
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Kohli's U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill dies at 36
New Delhi (PTI): Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets.
He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season, and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.
"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab,” the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.
"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."
Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.
"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.
In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.
However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity,” Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.
