At least 17 people have been killed due to severe air pollution in Afghan capital Kabul, officials said on Monday.

Deputy Minister of Public Health Fida Mohammad Paikan said that more than 8,000 visited hospitals due to air pollution, of which 17 died.
Kabul is ranked as one of the world’s worst-polluted cities.
Air pollution increases in Kabul usually during the winter when residents use coalfor heating and other materials for heating.
Aurhtorieis have begun a crackdown on local businesses though to be the main contributors to air pollution in the city.
The owners of wedding halls, public baths, and property management officies have been warned to stop burning scrap tyres and plastics.
Meanwhile on Monday, the Public Health Ministry, National Environmental Protection Agency and the municipality launched a campaign to distribute face masks to residents to protect themselves against air pollution.
Officials said that the campaign would cover 16 popoulated areas of the city and would last two weeks.