Pakistan ranked world’s most polluted country in 2025

Pakistan has been ranked the most polluted country in the world in 2025, with hazardous air quality levels far exceeding international safety standards, according to a report released by Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir on Tuesday.

The report found that concentrations of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, in Pakistan were up to 13 times higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organization. These microscopic particles, produced by vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and wildfires, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as premature death.

According to the findings, the world’s 25 most polluted cities in 2025 were all located in India, Pakistan, and China. The Indian city of Loni topped the list with an average PM2.5 level of 112.5 micrograms per cubic metre, followed by Hotan in China at 109.6 micrograms.

Within Pakistan, major urban centres including Karachi, Hyderabad, and Lahore recorded persistently high pollution levels. In Karachi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 100 on September 29, 2025, placing it in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category.

Globally, only 13 countries and territories managed to maintain annual PM2.5 levels within the WHO guideline of less than 5 micrograms per cubic metre in 2025, an increase from seven in 2024. However, overall air quality deteriorated, with just 14 per cent of cities meeting the recommended standard, compared to 17 per cent a year earlier.

The report noted that widespread wildfires in Canada contributed to elevated PM2.5 levels across the United States and parts of Europe.

In contrast, countries such as Australia, Iceland, Estonia, and Panama met the WHO air quality standards.

Among the most polluted nations, Bangladesh and Tajikistan ranked second and third, respectively, while Chad, which topped the list in 2024, fell to fourth place in 2025.

The report also highlighted data limitations affecting global rankings. The shutdown of a United States-run air quality monitoring programme in March 2025 led to gaps in pollution data, particularly in developing countries. As a result, nations including Burundi, Turkmenistan, and Togo were excluded from the latest assessment.

Overall, 130 out of 143 monitored countries failed to meet WHO air quality guidelines in 2025. While 75 countries recorded a decline in PM2.5 levels compared to the previous year, 54 experienced worsening pollution, underscoring the persistent global challenge of air quality management.