Lahore and Karachi Among Top Three Most Polluted Cities Globally Amid Smog Crisis

Lahore [Pakistan], December 7: Lahore and Karachi have been ranked among the world’s top three most polluted cities due to their “very unhealthy” air quality, as Pakistan struggles to combat an escalating smog crisis, according to Geo News.

Data from the Swiss air quality monitoring service revealed that at 9:14 AM, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 266, placing it at the top of the global pollution chart. Karachi ranked third with an AQI of 216.

Smog Crisis in Lahore

For over two months, Lahore has endured hazardous smog, with the city consistently registering the worst air quality in the region. The toxic air is attributed to:

• Low-grade fuel emissions from factories and vehicles.
• Seasonal crop burning by farmers.
• Weather patterns such as cooler temperatures and slow-moving winds, which trap pollutants over the city.

Karachi's Rising Pollution Levels

Karachi, traditionally less affected by smog, crossed into the “very unhealthy” air quality category for the first time in recent weeks. The PM2.5 pollutant levels in the city were reported to be 27.8 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limits.

Although Karachi’s AQI improved slightly to 173 on Friday afternoon, it remained in the “unhealthy” range.

Regional and Health Impacts

• Dhaka, Bangladesh, ranked as the second-most polluted city globally.
• The ongoing air pollution crisis poses serious health risks to millions, with the WHO warning of links to strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses from prolonged exposure to toxic air.

Future Outlook

As winter deepens, Pakistan’s Meteorological Office predicts a further drop in temperatures, particularly in Karachi, which is likely to exacerbate the smog crisis. The combination of low temperatures, persistent pollutants, and seasonal factors calls for urgent action to protect public health and improve air quality.