Dense smog continued to grip Lahore and other parts of Punjab on Monday, keeping the provincial capital ranked as the world’s most polluted city, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 441.

According to the latest air quality data, Gujranwala recorded the highest AQI in Punjab at 637, followed by Faisalabad at 365 and Multan at 245.

Within Lahore, smog levels worsened on Monday morning as several localities reported extremely hazardous air quality.

In Gulberg, the AQI soared to 758 — among the highest in the country — while Sanda recorded 718, Mall Road 698, and the area around the Civil Secretariat 640.

Other local readings included 571 in Allama Iqbal Town, 553 on Syed Maratib Ali Road, 539 in Cantt, and 533 in Shadman.

Although lower yet still unhealthy levels were reported on Bedian Road (281) and Canal Road (266).

Authorities have advised citizens to limit their outdoor activities and wear masks as pollution levels persist across the province.