The quality of air in Lahore remains extremely hazardous for human health as smog continues to get thicker by the day.The air quality index in the city of gardens shot up to 603 on Thursday, making it the most polluted city in the world followed by Indian capital New Delhi. The AQI in the areas around the FF Pakistan soared to 816.

Similarly, it was 788 at Allama Iqbal Town, 696 around the AC Cantonment Office, 652 around the University of the Punjab, 647 at Samanabad, 617 at Shalamar Road, 615 at Syed Maratab Ali Road, 597 around Pakistan Engineering Council, 593 at Sanda Road, 589 at Ravi Road, and 585 around the Government College University and at Lower Mall.

On the other hand, the Met Office forecast dry weather for the Punjab capital during the next 24 hours.It said that the maximum temperature in the city would go up to 31 degrees Celsius on Thursday afternoon, while it would remain 19 degrees Celsius on the minimum side.

On the other hand, Karachi, with AQI 161, was ranked as fourth most polluted city in the world on Thursday. The minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 26 degrees Celsius while it was expected to touch 35 degrees Celsius mark in the afternoon. The Met Office said that the weather in the city would remain dry during the next 24 hours.

Winds were blowing in the morning from the north-east at a speed of 16 kilometers per hour, while the level of moisture in the air stood at 49 per cent.Meanwhile, doctors have urged people, especially children and aged, to avoid stepping out of their homes unnecessarily and if it was really necessary, wear facemasks.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)