Pakistan(National Times)- Dense smog continues to blanket Punjab, with Lahore ranking as the second most polluted city in the world today (Monday), according to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir. The air quality in the provincial capital had moved out of the “hazardous” category after the levels of toxins in the atmosphere reduced slightly on Sunday, but the improvement was short lived as the city moved past the 300 mark on the air quality index (AQI) again today.  As of 9:15pm, Lahore’s AQI stood at an alarming 485, while, Delhi topped the global pollution chart with an dangerously high AQI of 1,226. As per IQ Air, anything above the 300 mark on the AQI is considered “hazardous”. Meanwhile, Karachi is also one of the world’s largest cities grappling with poor air quality. It held the seventh spot with an “unhealthy” AQI of 187. The smog has led to disruptions across the region, with multiple motorways closed.  The M4 motorway, from Abdul Hakeem to Multan, and the M5 motorway, from Multan to Rahim Yar Khan, have been shut due to low visibility. The Lahore-Sialkot motorway was also temporarily closed, though it has since been reopened from Lahore to Kamonki. Authorities urge caution as air pollution continues to deteriorate visibility and pose health risks. The hazardous conditions owing to persistent smog has prompted calls for action to tackle the ongoing pollution crisis. Punjab government declared a health emergency in Lahore and Multan — the two worst hit cities — due to toxic smog last week, extending ban on construction, shutting schools and moving universities online.  The country’s most populous province, grapples every winter with smog, but air pollution has worsened in recent years, as a result of cold air trapping dust, low-grade diesel fumes and smoke from illegal stubble burning on fields. Other parts of South Asia are also dealing with high levels of pollution and Punjab blames neighbouring India for contributing to its hazardous air quality.  New Delhi, the world’s most polluted capital as of today, has tightened restrictions on construction activities and vehicle movements from today to combat worsening air quality. The Indian government has also moved children to virtual classrooms and asked residents to avoid using coal and wood.