Pakistan’s major urban centers, Lahore and Karachi, continue to struggle with hazardous air quality as both cities rank among the top five most polluted in the world, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) by IQAir.
The data shows Lahore holding the second position globally with an AQI of 284, indicating very unhealthy air levels. Despite ongoing government efforts to curb pollution, smog remains a major concern as winter approaches.
Meanwhile, Karachi stands at fifth place, recording an AQI of 161, categorized as unhealthy. The port city’s poor air quality is mainly attributed to vehicular emissions and industrial pollution.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such pollution levels poses severe health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Globally, Delhi, India, tops the list with a hazardous AQI of 333, followed by Lahore, Kolkata (168), Dubai (162), and Karachi (161). Other cities in the top 10 include Dhaka, Manama, Tashkent, Shanghai, and Bishkek.
| Rank | City, Country | AQI (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delhi, India | 333 |
| 2 | Lahore, Pakistan | 284 |
| 3 | Kolkata, India | 168 |
| 4 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 162 |
| 5 | Karachi, Pakistan | 161 |
| 6 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | 157 |
| 7 | Manama, Bahrain | 152 |
| 8 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | 151 |
| 9 | Shanghai, China | 147 |
| 10 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | 143 |
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