Pakistan: Lahore tops global pollution rankings, Karachi air "very unhealthy"

Lahore [Pakistan], December 1 : Lahore has emerged as the most polluted city in the world, with air quality levels described as "hazardous," as thick smog continues to envelop large parts of Pakistan.
This environmental crisis has severely impacted daily life in the country, with residents facing heightened health risks from prolonged exposure to toxic air conditions, The Express Tribune reported.
Data from IQAir revealed that Lahore's air quality index (AQI) surged to an alarming 303, far exceeding the "hazardous" threshold and underscoring the severity of the crisis.
The city's PM2.5 concentration levels were measured to be 24.2 times above the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended guidelines, posing grave health risks. Karachi, meanwhile, recorded an AQI of around 200, indicating "very unhealthy" air quality, and ranked as the fourth most polluted city globally. The air quality in Karachi slightly improved during the day but largely remained unsafe.
The smog crisis extends beyond Lahore and Karachi, affecting other major cities. Multan reported an AQI of 294, making it the second-most polluted city in Pakistan. Rawalpindi and Peshawar recorded AQIs of 220 and 204, respectively, reflecting a similar trend of dangerously poor air quality, reported the Express Tribune.
Even Islamabad, the federal capital, experienced elevated pollution levels, with an AQI of 170, ranking it seventh among Pakistani cities. Experts attribute this widespread air pollution to unregulated vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and urban development patterns that neglect environmental considerations.
Health experts have raised alarms over the long-term effects of such unprecedented pollution levels, particularly on vulnerable populations. Before this crisis, air pollution was responsible for 12 per cent of deaths in children under five in Pakistan, The Express Tribune reported.
With the current smog emergency, these numbers are likely to rise sharply.
Children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are expected to bear the brunt of the health consequences, which could have devastating impacts in the coming years if corrective measures are not urgently implemented.