Record-high air pollution in Pakistan’s cultural capital of Lahore is sending more people to hospitals and private clinics and the city authorities warned a complete lockdown could be imminent if residents fail to don face masks and follow other guidance related to smog.

Lahore: Record-high pollution sickens thousands in world’s most polluted city - Record-high air pollution in Lahore is sending more people to hospitals, with city authorities warning of a possible lockdown if residents don’t follow smog-related guidance,

Unprecedented air pollution in the Pakistani city of Lahore has forced authorities to close all primary schools for a week. From Monday, 50% of office workers will also work from home, as part of a "green lockdown" plan. Other measures include bans on engine-powered rickshaws and vendors that barbecue without filters.

The smog crisis in Lahore, similar to the situation in India's capital Delhi, tends to worsen during cooler months due to temperature inversion trapping pollution closer to the ground. Make sense of the latest ESG trends affecting companies and governments with the Reuters Sustainable Switch newsletter. Sign up here.

Primary schools in Lahore will remain closed for a week because of the pollution, according to a government notification.

Lahore, Pakistan, experienced hazardous levels of air pollution for two consecutive days, ranking as the second most polluted city globally. The Punja

Toxic smog has shrouded Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore for days as surging pollution spurs authorities to curb activities and set up a panel to oversee preventive efforts.

Lahore, Pakistan, experienced record-breaking air pollution on November 2, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1,900, six times higher than the World Health Organization's limit. The Pakistani government attributed the surge to winds carrying pollution from India and seasonal crop residue burning.

Pakistan blames India for worsening smog in Lahore, urging serious action as air quality index hits record high.