The intensity of smog persisted across various districts of Punjab on Thursday, with Multan once again topping the list as the most polluted city in the province, according to the smog monitoring system.

Officials reported that Multan recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 237, followed by Bahawalpur at 198, ranking as the second most polluted city.

Globally, Lahore stood sixth among the world’s most polluted cities, with an overall AQI of 181.

Air pollution levels in different parts of the provincial capital remained dangerously high.

The AQI measured 230 on Mall Road, 229 in Gulberg, 228 in Barki, 227 in Allama Iqbal Town, 216 in Shadman, 211 in Defence, and 208 around the Civil Secretariat.

Meanwhile, Bedian Road reported an AQI of 199.

Environmental experts have said that stagnant air pressure and high humidity across Punjab’s plains are preventing the smog from dispersing, adding that improvement in air quality is unlikely over the next few days.