For the first time in two weeks, the air quality in Pakistan’s second-largest city, Lahore, was no longer at the level considered “hazardous” for humans, but it still remained at the “very unhealthy” threshold on November 17, according to the Swiss-based firm IQAir . An unprecedented level of air pollution in Lahore – a city of more than 14 million people – on November 3 forced authorities to take emergency measures, including the closing of primary schools and the issuance of work-from-home orders. School closures were extended to November 24.
The AQI index was listed at 243, rated "very unhealthy" but below the previous 300 level, which is considered "hazardous." Local officials described the continuing air-quality crisis as a “calamity. The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council is set to meet on November 18 to discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine and the tense situation in Georgia following disputed parliamentary elections in the Caucasus nation on October 26.
In a statement , the EU said the meeting -- chaired by foreign policy chief Josep Borrell -- will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Brussels.
The council “will discuss the Russian aggression against Ukraine , after an informal exchange of views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha, via videoconference,” it said. It will also “exchange views on the situation in Georgia, in light of the parliamentary elections held on 26 October.” To read the original story by RFE/RL's Ge.