New Delhi

Pakistan is currently blanketed by dangerous smog with an air quality index in several parts of the country above the 500 mark. The thick cover is visible from space, with satellite imagery from NASA Worldview showing just how dangerous air pollution is in the country right now. 

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Millions of people are breathing toxic air in the capital city of Lahore and 17 other districts. The conditions have prevailed for over two weeks now. At one point, the AQI touched the 1,000 mark. 

According to Swiss group IQAir’s live ratings, Lahore is the most polluted city in the world right now in terms of air quality. 

The satellite images show an extremely heavy grey smog over Pakistan. It stretches into northern parts of India, albeit is lighter than the one over its neighbouring country. 

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Pakistan has shut schools and public space in view of the toxic air which is threatening the health of millions of people in the country. Photos of Lahore and Multan show a thick haze over the cities, with most buildings barely visible.

Deadly smog blankets Pakistan and India

Every year during this time, Pakistan and northern parts of India battle toxic air, also called smog since pollutants mix in with fog.

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Also Read: Thick smog causes low visibility in Delhi-NCR, AQI crosses 350-mark

It is due to various reasons, such as burning of agricultural waste, coal-fired power plants and traffic. The weather conditions add to these factors as colder and drier air traps pollution. 

In Lahore, this year's smog has been described as unprecedented. The city had an AQI of above 1,200 on Monday, an extremely “hazardous" situation, according to IQAir. 

Notably, an AQI of above 300 is considered hazardous to human health. Indian capital New Delhi and nearby areas have also registered an AQI of 500 in the past few days. 

Most outdoor activities in the Punjab province of Pakistan were banned on Monday, with shops, markets and malls closed in some areas. According to officials, more than 40,000 people fell sick and sought treatment for respiratory ailments.