Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province, was on Saturday ranked the most polluted city in the world, as a thick blanket of smog continued to choke the city, affecting the daily lives of 14 million people.

The city recorded a US Air Quality Index (AQI) of 412 at 8:30 am, categorised as hazardous, with PM2.5 levels a staggering 56.2 higher than the World Health Organisation's (WHO) annual guideline value, data from air quality monitoring platform IQAir showed.

Residents complained of throat irritation, itchy eyes and breathing difficulties as the toxic haze shrouded Lahore for several days. Experts have advised people to wear face masks and limit outdoor activities.

Air pollution in Lahore is a perennial problem at the onset of the winter, when cooler temperatures, low-speed win

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