Several cities across Punjab remained engulfed in dense smog on Saturday, with Gujranwala registering the worst air quality in the province.

According to official data, Gujranwala topped the list with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 525, followed by Faisalabad at 508.

The Handal area recorded an AQI of 326, placing it third.

Lahore ranked fourth in Punjab with an AQI of 250, but stood second on the global list of most polluted cities.

The provincial capital’s various neighbourhoods reported extremely hazardous pollution levels.

In Lahore, AQI readings soared to 1,264 on Ravi Road, while 993 was recorded around the Civil Secretariat.

The Sanda area logged 933, Shalimar 858, Defence 821, and Upper Mall 773.

Other major readings included 668 near Jain Mandir, 665 on Syed Maratib Ali Road, and 630 in the Gulberg area.

Officials say thick smog continued to blanket multiple districts across Punjab, severely affecting visibility and public health.