Lahore residents are once again forced to breathe highly toxic air as the AQI surpasses 1000

Punjab smog increases PM2.5 to 613 while the air quality index (AQI) to 1073

• Air pollution hits severely in Lahore, with AQI rising above 1000

• Government advises people to mask up and stay hydrated

• Weather is predicted to remain dry in most of Punjab's districts

Lahore once again stood among the highest polluted cities in the world. It is no surprise, considering that last week the region was facing torrential rains and a snowstorm. The air quality index in the city exceeded 1000, which caused the residents to breathe in​​​​­ hazardous air all week.

According to the IQAir pollution monitor, the levels of PM2.5 have increased significantly in the past couple of days, raising to over 613. Making it 122 times than what WHO deems suitable.

Despite these horrific results, eastern Punjab's air quality index spiked to 1073, rising over 1067 the day before. Startling facts reveal that the day before, the country was already recording breaches in moderation levels.

The visibility levels deteriorated as well, reaching zero as thick smog surrounded the megacity and invasion levels, culminating in chaos for the Punjab government.