Pakistan Ranked Third Most Polluted Country in 2024

Islamabad: Pakistan has been ranked the third most polluted country in the world in 2024, as per the annual World Air Quality Report published by Swiss air technology company IQAir on Tuesday. The report placed Chad at the top of the list, followed by Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and India in fifth place.

Last year, Pakistan experienced an unprecedented smog crisis, particularly in Punjab, where authorities declared the situation a calamity. The severe air pollution led to around two million people seeking medical treatment for related health issues. In response, the government implemented lockdowns, school closures, and other measures to combat deteriorating air quality.

According to the report, Pakistan’s PM2.5 concentration—a key indicator of air pollution—was 73.7 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³), which is nearly 15 times higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the extreme smog, Pakistan’s average pollution levels remained unchanged compared to 2023.

In the Central and South Asia region, Pakistan ranked second, just behind Bangladesh. Cities like Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot were among the 15 most polluted cities in the region.

The report attributed Pakistan’s persistently high pollution levels to multiple factors, including biomass burning, industrial activities, vehicular emissions, brick kilns, and construction dust.