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.

Delhi overtook Pakistan ’s Lahore as the world’s most polluted city in Swiss group IQAir’s live rankings, with an air quality index (AQI) score of more than 1,000, which is considered “hazardous”, but India ’s pollution authority said the AQI was around 350.

Air pollution choking New Delhi has ground outdoor work to a halt and disrupted air travel in the Indian capital.

Delhi and its neighbouring cities are experiencing pollution levels that are at least 30-35 times the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Every year, Delhi and northern states battle hazardous air during the winter months of October to January due to plummeting temperatures,

Delhi's air quality remained severely hazardous for the fourth consecutive day, with a thick smog layer blanketing the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached alarming levels, prompting concerns about respiratory and cardiovascular health.