Lahore recorded the highest number of air pollution-related cases, with 5,353 individuals seeking hospital treatment for respiratory issues, including 359 asthma patients, 171 with heart disease, 20 stroke victims,

Toxic smog is overwhelming hospitals in Pakistan's Punjab province, with over 1.91 million respiratory illness cases reported in the past month. Lahore, the worst-hit city, is grappling with hazardous air quality,

Despite the recurrence of extreme pollution episodes and their very high health costs, the authorities are not taking any structural measures.

Toxic smog engulfed much of northern India on Monday and pollution readings in New Delhi hit their highest of this pre-winter season.

India's capital city of Delhi has virtually shut down as air pollution hit "severe plus" levels, according to Indian government officials in its pollution control authority.

By Tanvi Mehta NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Toxic smog engulfed much of northern India on Monday and pollution readings in New Delhi hit their highest of this pre-winter season, after dense fog overnight. Visibility dropped to 100 metres in the capital and at least eleven flights were diverted.

Toxic smog engulfed much of northern India on Monday and pollution readings in New Delhi hit their highest of this pre-winter season, after dense fog overnight.

Dense to very dense fog is also expected in other North Indian regions including Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, North Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar on the early morning and late night hours of Monday,