Pakistan’s cities slip under toxic smog as live readings for Lahore show PM2.5 levels 100 times over what WHO prescribes

Pakistan's Lahore remained the world's most polluted city, while visibility in parts of northern India fell to zero. In India, the smog was so thick it caused flight delays and blocked views of the Taj Mahal,

Record-breaking levels of thick, toxic smog that have shrouded eastern Pakistan and northern India since last month can be seen in striking satellite imagery.

Toxic smog in India and Pakistan has caused air quality in the major metropolitans of Lahore, Multan, Delhi and Chandigarh to deteriorate to toxic levels.

The government in Lahore has closed schools and public spaces and shut down factories. Environmental lawyer Ahmad Rafay Alam shares his perspective: "frustrated" but still fighting.

Toxic smog blanketed northern India on Thursday, becoming too thick to see through in several places, as high levels of pollution combined with humidity, low wind speed, and a drop in temperature, officials said.

The satellite images show an extremely heavy grey smog over Pakistan. It stretches into northern parts of India, albeit is lighter than the one over its neighbouring country.