Pakistan chokes with alarming levels of pollution as AQI crosses 2100

Multan, Pakistan, issued a high alert as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared past 2,000, reaching hazardous levels. Schools and public spaces temporarily closed due to the dangerous smog. The primary pollutant, PM2.5, reached alarming levels, prompting authorities to implement a “smart lockdown” to curb pollution-causing activities. Despite these efforts, the heavy smog persisted.