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.

Pakistan's second city of Lahore will close primary schools for a week over record pollution, government authorities said Sunday, to avoid exposing millions of children to smog several times above levels deemed dangerous.

Air pollution in Pakistan's second biggest city Lahore soared on Saturday more than 80 times over the level deemed acceptable by the World Health Organization (WHO), with an official calling it record high.

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.

WHO

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,

Lahore, Pakistan, facing severe air pollution, has been ranked as the world's most polluted city. The hazardous smog, attributed to factors like industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and crop burning,