Of air pollution and politics

Barely visible: A file photo of people visiting the Akshardham temple that is visible through a thick smog in New Delhi, India. Under certain wind directions, about 30% of Delhi’s pollution can come from Punjab province in Pakistan. — AP

THE air smells burnt in Lahore, a city in Pakistan’s east that used to be famous for its gardens but has become infamous for its terrible air quality.

Toxic smog has sickened tens of thousands of people in recent months. Flights have been cancelled. Artificial rain was deployed last month to battle smog, a national first. And yet, nothing seems to be working.