Smog continued to grip several districts across Punjab, with Faisalabad recording the highest air quality index (AQI) of 353 on Saturday, according to official monitoring data.

Lahore followed with an AQI of 336, placing it second in the province and among the most polluted cities globally. Gujranwala ranked third in Punjab with an AQI of 272.

The provincial capital’s air quality remained hazardous across multiple areas.

The AQI was recorded at 663 on Ravi Road, 559 on Mall Road, 530 on Lower Mall, 529 in Allama Iqbal Town and 459 in Defence.

Other parts of the city also reported dangerous levels of pollution, including 455 on Upper Mall, 447 in Shalimar, 434 around Punjab University and 404 along Sanda Road.

Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks, as smog levels remain high across the region.