LAHORE (Dunya News) - The air quality index (AQI) of the provincial capital Lahore soared on Wednesday morning to a "very" hazardous 1,099. The Swiss IQAir chart of the most polluted cities showed Lahore at the top with Indian capital Delhi at a distant second with 372.

Lahore, Pakistan, experienced record-breaking air pollution on November 2, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1,900, six times higher than the World Health Organization's limit. The Pakistani government attributed the surge to winds carrying pollution from India and seasonal crop residue burning.

Toxic smog has shrouded Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore for days as surging pollution spurs authorities to curb activities and set up a panel to oversee preventive efforts.

In light of the worsening pollution crisis, Lahore's administration has also taken a few emergency steps. Primary schools in several cities have been closed for a week, with parents advised to make their children wear masks.

Not Delhi but Pakistan's Lahore has become the world's most polluted city with an Air Quality Index of 1,900 on Sunday, which is its highest ever.

WHO

Pakistan’s second largest city with beyond ‘dangerous’ air pollution shuts schools for a week - Lahore braces for worsening air quality while officials blame neighbouring India