WEB DESK: Lahore and Karachi have once again found themselves on the list of the world’s top 10 most polluted cities, with live air quality data painting a grim picture of the deteriorating atmosphere across South Asia.
According to the latest readings, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 292, placing it in the “very unhealthy” category, while Karachi registered an AQI of 156, falling under the “unhealthy” range. These alarming figures highlight the worsening air pollution crisis in Pakistan’s two largest cities.
Here’s the full list of the top 10 most polluted cities today:
- Lahore, Pakistan – AQI 292
- Delhi, India – AQI 238
- Kolkata, India – AQI 170
- Hanoi, Vietnam – AQI 159
- Mumbai, India – AQI 158
- Karachi, Pakistan – AQI 156
- Dhaka, Bangladesh – AQI 152
- Kuwait City, Kuwait – AQI 148
- Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – AQI 144
- Kabul, Afghanistan – AQI 135
Environmental experts warn that these figures reflect a broader regional trend, where air pollution levels have surged across major South Asian cities. The primary contributors include vehicle emissions, industrial output, and construction dust, all of which release fine particulate matter that severely affects respiratory health.
Additionally, seasonal crop burning, coupled with stagnant weather patterns, traps pollutants close to the ground, further pushing AQI levels to dangerous heights.
Health officials have urged residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours. Despite repeated warnings and temporary measures, environmental activists say a comprehensive, long-term strategy is urgently needed to address Pakistan’s growing air quality crisis before it becomes irreversible.
