Multan, Pakistan – The air quality crisis in Pakistan’s Punjab province has escalated, with Multan recording an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 2,553 on Friday morning. This unprecedented level forced officials to close parks, schools, and public spaces, implementing a “smart lockdown” and early closure of shops at 8 p.m.

The concentration of toxic particulate matter (PM2.5) in Multan has reached 947 micrograms per cubic meter—189.4 times above World Health Organization guidelines, which set a safe limit at 5 micrograms. Smog, a harmful mix of smoke and fog, blankets the city, endangering public health and causing respiratory issues.

Authorities have attributed the rise in pollution to unusual wind patterns, claiming a “wind pool” from India’s Jaipur and Bikaner has worsened air quality in Punjab. Pakistani officials have also placed vehicles emitting smoke and stubble burning practices under increased scrutiny.

Declaring smog a “calamity,” the Punjab government has closed schools in 18 districts until November 18. The deteriorating air quality crisis mirrors similar conditions in India, where Delhi logged a “very poor” AQI of 359 on Saturday.

With health risks soaring, public officials urge swift actions to address the pollution emergency across the region.