Pakistan ’s smog situation has gone from bad to worse as air pollution rose to a record in Lahore. Sensors tracked by the Swiss monitor IQAir recorded an air quality index of 1,300 in the country’s second-largest city at 5 p.m. local time, the highest this year and well beyond a level of 50 that is deemed safe.

In the city of Lahore, workers have been told to stay home as air pollution levels rose far beyond what is considered safe.

The air quality index is alarmingly high in Pakistan and India. This week, smog has drastically reduced visibility, obscuring views of landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra. Consequently, many flights have been delayed.

Air quality deteriorated to hazardous levels in New Delhi on Wednesday as toxic smog blanketed India, leaving residents of the capital complaining of “apocalyptic” scenes. The crisis also affected neighbouring Pakistan,