Lahore still sits on number two position in the ranking of most polluted cities of the world as its air quality index has been recorded at 261. New Delhi retains number one position and Kolkata and Kabul remain on third and fourth numbers, respectively on the AQ Index, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday. 

The other cities of Punjab including Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Multan and Rawalpindi and the federal capital have also been declared the most polluted cities.

Due to the severity of smog in Lahore, the citizens continue suffering from diseases of throat, skin and eyes. 

The smog on Sunday also engulfed the city’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. The visibility was reduced to mere 1,000 meters. The administration warned pilots of all airlines regarding the low visibility at the airport. 

On the other hand, Punjab has spurred its anti-smog efforts. In this week, 135 cases were registered and 116 persons were arrested for spreading air pollution. 

In the Faisalabad region, three cases were registered and in Multan 40 cases were registered against persons for setting on fire crop stubbles, tyres and lubricants.  

According to the police spokesperson, the Punjab IG police has instructed the police department to work in collaboration with the district administration and other institution for the elimination of smog. He said the IG police especially ordered a strict action against those elements who were adding to air pollution and smog in Lahore and Sheikhupura region.

Reporters Komal Aslam, Saeed Ahmad Saeed