Pakistan named world’s most polluted country in 2025

March 24, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan emerged as the world’s most polluted country in 2025, with concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reaching levels up to 13 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit, according to research released today.

These tiny airborne particles, produced by vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and wildfires, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart and respiratory diseases, and contributing to premature mortality.

Swiss air quality monitoring company IQAir reported in its annual study that 13 countries and territories maintained PM2.5 levels below the WHO guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic metre last year, up from seven in 2024.

Urban centres in Pakistan faced particularly hazardous air quality. Karachi, for instance, recorded PM2.5 levels above 100 on September 29, 2025, a level considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

Similar air pollution challenges were noted in Lahore and Hyderabad.

The top 25 most polluted cities globally were all located in India, Pakistan, and China. India’s Loni led the list with an average PM2.5 concentration of 112.5 micrograms per cubic metre, followed by Hotan in China’s Xinjiang region at 109.6 micrograms.

Bangladesh and Tajikistan ranked second and third among the most polluted countries.

Globally, only 14% of monitored cities met the WHO air quality standards in 2025, a decline from 17% the previous year.

Canadian wildfires contributed to elevated PM2.5 levels across the United States and even parts of Europe. Countries achieving the WHO benchmark included Australia, Iceland, Estonia, and Panama.

Several nations, including Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia, saw notable improvements in air quality, largely due to wetter and windier conditions brought by La Niña.

Mongolia reported a 31% drop in PM2.5 levels, reaching an average of 17.8 micrograms per cubic metre. Chad, which had the highest pollution levels in 2024, fell to fourth place in 2025, although the reduction may show incomplete data rather than real improvement.

The US closure of a global pollution monitoring program in March 2025 removed a key data source from embassies and consulates worldwide, creating gaps in reporting.

“The loss of data in March made it appear that PM2.5 levels in Chad dropped significantly, but the reality is we cannot be certain,” said Christi Chester Schroeder, lead author of the IQAir report.

Consequently, Burundi, Turkmenistan, and Togo were excluded from the 2025 report due to insufficient information.

Overall, IQAir found that 75 countries recorded lower PM2.5 levels in 2025 compared to the previous year, while 54 countries experienced increases.

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