LAHORE – Authorities in large parts of East Pakistan closed all parks and museums on Friday due to record levels of smog that have already forced the closure of schools and government offices and sickened tens of thousands of people.

The new restrictions came into force for ten days in 18 districts of Punjab province, including the provincial capital Lahore, where twilight gloom prevailed over the city and visibility was limited to about 100 meters (yards).

The closures apply to all public parks, zoos and museums, historic sites and playgrounds. Schools and government offices were already closed until November 17.

The city of 14 million people Lahore and other parts of Punjab have been shrouded in toxic smog since last month, and health officials say more than 30,000 people are being treated for respiratory ailments in areas affected by the smog.

Punjab Environmental Protection Agency spokesman Sajid Bashir said the new restrictions are aimed at keeping people at home and thus better protected from unregistered pollution.

“Parents and children were visiting these places instead of staying at home,” Bashir said. “We want people to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel,” he said.

On Friday, a court in Lahore also ordered the government to close all markets after 8 pm. Authorities had already banned cooking without a filter and ordered wedding halls to close by 10pm.

Bashir said on Friday that Lahore was the most polluted city in the world with an Air Quality Index reading of over 600. Anything above 300 is considered a health hazard. The city had a record reading of over 1,100 on Wednesday.

Doctors say people living in smoke-hit areas should wear face masks, otherwise they risk damaging their lungs. Dr., who has a medical practice in Lahore. “Breathing the air of Lahore without wearing a face mask is equivalent to smoking dozens of cigarettes a day,” Hafeezur Rehman said.

It was reported that there was a large increase in respiratory diseases, especially in Multan, one of the regions most affected by the epidemic. Authorities say they are ensuring there is no shortage of medicine in smoke-affected areas.

Previously announced school closures in smoke-affected areas will affect the education of more than 20 million students, according to associations representing private and public schools.

Khuram Gondal, Pakistan director of the charity Save the Children, called on the government to urgently implement long-term solutions to the pollution problem so that children do not have to miss classes in the future.

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Associated Press writer Asim Tanveer contributed to this story from Multan, Pakistan.