Lahore, Pakistan, has dethroned New Delhi to become the world's most polluted city. Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to a shocking 1,600 on Friday morning, with the CERP Office area recording an AQI of 1,587, according to Swiss monitor IQAir. Other areas of Lahore also recorded shocking AQIs over 1,000.

Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution, with the air quality index (AQI) remaining in the “severe” category for the third consecutive day. The AQI stands at 498, making Delhi the world’s second most polluted city, behind Lahore, Pakistan, which recorded an AQI of 770 at 7 am, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring company.

Air pollution choking New Delhi has ground outdoor work to a halt and disrupted air travel in the Indian capital.

Delhi and its neighbouring cities are experiencing pollution levels that are at least 30-35 times the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Every year, Delhi and northern states battle hazardous air during the winter months of October to January due to plummeting temperatures,

On Wednesday, the national capital's air quality took a serious turn for the worse, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) skyrocketing to a staggering 418. This alarming number puts the capital squarely in the 'severe' category,