The Punjab government has sounded an emergency smog alert in Lahore after winds drove Indian smog into the provincial capital poisoning the air to a dangerous level, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The government issued the smog alert on Monday, urging citizens to wear facemasks, and keep doors and windows of their houses shut.

A senior provincial minister requested citizens suffering from heart diseases or breathing problems not to come into open areas.

The emergency alert was sounded after winds carrying thick smog from Indian cities of Delhi, Amritsar and Chadigarh reached Lahore and made things worse for the local population.

It may be mentioned here that on Sunday air quality index dropped sharply to 191 from 800 after the wind stopped.

On Monday also, the alert also came after Lahore topped the list of most-polluted cities in the world with an air quality index (AQI) of 707.

Due to ever-increasing pollution, citizens have been advised to take precautionary measures like using masks while going outdoors, stopping children from playing outside and avoiding travelling to heavily polluted areas.

Experts have warned citizens to drive carefully due to reduced visibility, especially in early morning and late at night.

Medical experts have advised residents to take precautions to avoid flu, skin allergy, eyesore and other related diseases.

As per environmental experts, the use of substandard fuels such as plastic and rubber especially in the cottage industry around Bund Road is contributing significantly to the deteriorating air quality.

Reporter Rao Dilshad Hussain