As toxic smog blankets Delhi, India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has raised concerns over the city’s dangerously high levels of air pollution.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced on Thursday that, due to stable and dry weather conditions, smog levels in the country are expected to significantly increase in the coming days, prompting authorities to urge the public to take precautions.

India's capital, New Delhi, has switched to online classes for all schools starting Monday, as the city grapples with a severe smog crisis.

On Friday, Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab, announced a one-week extension of school closures in major cities affected by heavy smog. Thousands have been hospitalized as the country grapples with record levels of air pollution, News.Az reports citing foreign media.

Officials have announced the closure of all primary schools in Delhi due to the worsening air pollution, News.Az reports citing BBC news.

On Wednesday, residents of New Delhi struggled to breathe as a thick, toxic smog engulfed the city, with air pollution levels soaring more than 50 times above the World Health Organization's recommended daily limit, News.Az reports citing foreign media.

The UN on Monday urged Pakistan to ramp up efforts against air pollution, as hazardous smog affects over 11 million children under five in Punjab, News.Az reports citing foreign media.

The UN children's agency has warned that air pollution in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province is threatening the health of 11 million children, News.Az reports citing foreign media.