The lockdowns came as the Air Quality Index once again crossed 400 in Lahore, making it the world’s most polluted city.

The 10 districts where smart lockdowns have been imposed include Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin.

A notification by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority said that all movement and economic activities will be limited in the 10 districts. Schools and Universities will also remain closed.

However, markets, gyms, and cinemas will be allowed to open after 3 pm.

Lahore’s traders announced that they would adhere to the 3pm time set by the government but said that additional and more concrete steps were needed to fight smog.

Trader leader Naeem Mir said that a comprehensive strategy was needed to fight smog and the government should for a special task force for the issue.