Delhi first, Lahore second most polluted cities 

Delhi/Lahore: Late last night, the Indian capital Delhi came first and Pakistan's Lahore came second among the most polluted cities in the world.

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 1,079, while Lahore's air pollution ratio was 574.

Multan was second after Lahore and Islamabad was third among the most polluted cities in Pakistan, while Rawalpindi was fourth and Peshawar was ranked fifth.

Various motorways were also closed in the plains of Punjab due to severe fog and smog, which affected the flow of traffic.

According to a spokesperson for the Motorways Police, motorways M2, M3, M4 and M5, including other highways, have been closed for all types of traffic at various places.

The spokesperson stated that motorway M2 from Lahore to Sheikhupura, motorway M4 from Lahore to Darkhana, and motorway M11 to Sambrial have been closed due to reduced visibility.

The spokesperson further said that motorways are closed to ensure public safety and safe travel.

The spokesperson advised that people should prefer to travel during the day in smog and fog season, and if they have to travel at night, use front and rear fog lights.

Smog has also affected the education system in Punjab. Educational institutions will remain closed, while private institutions have been ordered to transfer half of their staff to online shifts.

Dolphin Force has started operations against vehicles emitting smoke in Lahore.

It is pertinent to note that apart from Punjab, smog is also present in most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.