Addis Ababa, March 24, 2026 (FMC) — Pakistan has been ranked the most polluted country in the world in 2025, according to a new report by Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir.
The report indicates that concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Pakistan reached levels up to 13 times higher than the recommended threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
PM2.5 refers to hazardous airborne particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing serious health risks including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, Al Jazeera reported.
The findings highlight Pakistan’s worsening air quality situation, particularly in major urban centers where pollution levels have remained persistently high.
According to the report, only 13 countries and territories worldwide managed to maintain average PM2.5 levels within the WHO guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2025, an increase from seven in 2024.
Globally, the majority of countries continue to exceed safe air quality standards, underscoring the scale of the pollution challenge.
The report further notes that several cities in South Asia, including those in Pakistan, India, and China, dominate the list of the world’s most polluted urban areas.
Pakistan’s top ranking reflects a combination of factors contributing to air pollution, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal environmental conditions.