Thick smog has gripped most parts of Punjab, with Faisalabad topping the list of the province’s most polluted cities, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 444 on Saturday.

According to air quality data, Gujranwala ranked second with an AQI of 277, followed by Multan with 262.

Lahore, with an AQI of 282, remains the second most polluted city in the world.

Many areas of Lahore recorded dangerously high pollution levels across the city.

The highest AQI — 712 — was reported at Ravi Road, while Burki recorded 662, Iqbal Town 590, and the area surrounding the Civil Secretariat 546 AQI.

In other parts of the city, Sanda reported an AQI level of 501, Cantt 479, Lower Mall 472, and Shalimar 457.

Environmental and health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to high levels of smog could cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

They urged residents to restrict their outdoor activities and use protective masks.