Pakistan was ranked the world’s most polluted country in 2025, with toxic air blamed for nearly 22,000 deaths every year, according to the IQAir World Air Quality Report cited in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26.
The survey said Pakistan’s population-weighted annual average PM2.5 concentration reached 67.3 micrograms per cubic meter in 2025. This was 13 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended safety guideline.
“Pakistan ranked as the most polluted country in the world in 2025, with a population-weighted annual average PM2.5 concentration reaching 67.3 µg/m³,” the survey said. It added that the country was home to four of the world’s ten most polluted cities.
Faisalabad recorded the highest pollution level in Pakistan, with PM2.5 concentration reaching 98.8 µg/m³. Other Pakistani cities in the global top 10 included Rahim Yar Khan, Lahore and Sukkur, meaning Pakistan had four of the world’s ten most polluted cities in that ranking.
The survey also found that 13 cities reported PM2.5 levels above 50 µg/m³, showing the scale of the country’s air pollution crisis.
The report identified industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, brick kilns and construction dust as major causes of worsening air quality. Seasonal factors also intensified pollution levels. Dust storms in April and May caused pollution spikes, while Karachi saw a sharp rise in November, with concentrations increasing by nearly 57 percent compared with 2024.
The health impact remains severe. “Air pollution has continued to be a significant health issue affecting the population, reportedly causing almost 22,000 deaths every year and also straining ecosystems,” the survey said.
Authorities have introduced several mitigation measures. These include more than 150,000 inspections in Punjab, fines of more than Rs. 687 million, the use of fog cannons in Lahore and anti-smog initiatives targeting industrial sources.
Brick kiln reforms reportedly achieved full compliance with zig-zag technology in motorway zones. Anti-stubble burning measures also included the use of drones and 5,000 super seeders. Thermal night-vision drones have been deployed to strengthen enforcement.
Despite these efforts, progress remains limited. Globally, only 14 percent of cities met WHO PM2.5 standards, down from 17 percent in 2024. Central and South Asia remained the most polluted region.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 ranks air pollution among the top global threats. The Pakistan Economic Survey warned that air pollution remains a persistent crisis for the country, with no immediate relief in sight.
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