The capital city has become the latest megalopolis to close due to severe air pollution in Northern Asia, where nearly 50 million people have been experiencing hazardous air for over a week, according to CNN. IQAir reports that the second most populous city in Pakistan, with over 13 million inhabitants, has taken measures such as shutting down schools, public parks, shopping centers, and hotels due to the increase in air quality index (AQI) to over 400 this week. The local environmental organization has deemed the situation “dangerous” due to the rising numbers.

Peshawar in Pakistan has implemented “emergency measures” not only in its own city, but also in three other cities: Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Lahore. Together, these cities have a population of around 15 million. According to Mohammad Nasir, the head of government, people’s movement in these areas will be restricted. The government has also placed a limit on the gathering of more than four people in another location.

Air pollution in Pakistan has worsened due to the burning of straw in the fields during the months when the Indian capital, New Delhi, suffered from smog caused by lower temperatures, leading to an increase in pollutants. This news comes from Armenia, where the situation highlights the severity of the air pollution crisis in Northern Asia.