Pakistan ’s smog situation has gone from bad to worse as air pollution rose to a record in Lahore. Sensors tracked by the Swiss monitor IQAir recorded an air quality index of 1,300 in the country’s second-largest city at 5 p.m. local time, the highest this year and well beyond a level of 50 that is deemed safe.

The air quality in many parts of Haryana and Punjab was also recorded in the ' very poor' category and the 'poor' bracket.

The air quality index is alarmingly high in Pakistan and India. This week, smog has drastically reduced visibility, obscuring views of landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra. Consequently, many flights have been delayed.

This decision comes as the region grapples with an alarming spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI), which has reached 424, placing it in the "Very Poor" category

Several parts of the national capital recorded 'very poor' air quality levels on Friday. At 9 am, CRRI Mathura Road recorded an AQI of 368, ITO 357, Burari Crossing 390 and Lodhi Road 318.

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