Pakistan Ranked Third Most Polluted Country in 2024 World Air Quality Report

In 2024, Pakistan was ranked as the third most polluted country, with PM2.5 levels reaching 73.7 micrograms per cubic meter. Key cities such as Lahore and Peshawar remain heavily polluted. Although Karachi’s pollution levels decreased, numerous urban areas exceeded critical pollution thresholds. Health issues related to smog affect a significant portion of the population, underlining the urgent need for pollution management strategies.

In 2024, Pakistan was identified as the third most polluted nation, as reported in the annual World Air Quality Report by IQAir, with Chad being at the forefront of pollution levels. The country registered an alarming average concentration of PM2.5 particles at 73.7 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly surpassing the World Health Organization’s safe levels by nearly fifteenfold, despite no change in overall air pollution from the previous year.

Regionally, Pakistan ranked second in Central and South Asia, primarily due to cities like Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot, which are frequently listed among the 15 most polluted urban areas. The diversity of pollution sources in Pakistan, including industrial activities, vehicular emissions, biomass burning, and construction dust, contributes to these heightened levels. Although pollution levels in cities such as Peshawar, Islamabad, and Lahore have increased, Karachi experienced a decrease in PM2.5 levels from 55 to approximately 46 micrograms per cubic meter.

The survey noted that five major Pakistani cities reported pollution levels surpassing 200 microns in November. IQAir’s analysis, encompassing data from over 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 138 regions, revealed that nearly 70% of Pakistan’s population suffers from health issues related to smog, corroborated by a report from Ipsos. Comparatively, Chad’s pollution was recorded at 18 times higher, and India’s average PM2.5 levels stood at ten times above WHO’s prescribed limits.

Cabinet members from Byrnihat were highlighted in the report, being the most polluted metropolitan area in 2024 with PM2.5 averages soaring to 128.2 micrograms per cubic meter, more than 25 times the WHO guideline. Additionally, the report characterized New Delhi as the most polluted capital worldwide, followed closely by N’Djamena in Chad, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Kinshasa in the DR Congo, and Islamabad in fifth place. Notably, while South Asia continues to struggle with serious pollution, Oceania emerged as the least polluted region in 2024.

The 2024 World Air Quality Report indicates that Pakistan ranks as the third most polluted country globally, reinforcing the nation’s ongoing battle with hazardous air quality levels. The alarming PM2.5 concentration levels reveal the urgent need for effective pollution control measures. Despite the selective improvement in certain cities, as evidenced by the decline in Karachi’s pollution levels, the overall situation remains dire, highlighting the crucial importance of addressing air quality issues across Pakistan and the larger South Asian region.

Original Source: tribune.com.pk

About Allegra Nguyen

Allegra Nguyen is an accomplished journalist with over a decade of experience reporting for leading news outlets. She began her career covering local politics and quickly expanded her expertise to international affairs. Allegra has a keen eye for investigative reporting and has received numerous accolades for her dedication to uncovering the truth. With a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, she blends rigorous research with compelling storytelling to engage her audience.

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