Lahore Declared World’s Most Polluted City; Karachi Also Struggles
— January 1, 2025
KARACHI (AIA) Karachi and Lahore have been listed among the world’s most polluted cities, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) rankings released by IQAir, a global air quality monitoring service.
Lahore ranked as the most polluted city globally, recording an AQI of 354, categorised as “hazardous.” With a population exceeding 11 million, the city has long struggled with deteriorating air quality, exacerbated by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and crop burning.This toxic air has significantly impacted public health, with an alarming 1,886,586 people falling ill due to smog in the past month. Of these, 129,229 sought treatment for respiratory diseases, while 6,100,153 reported cardiothoracic issues. Daily, over 69,399 patients presented with breathing difficulties, chest pain, or stroke linked to smog exposure.
Meanwhile, Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, ranked 13th globally with an AQI of 164, falling under the “Unhealthy” category. The city’s bustling port, heavy traffic, and industrial zones continue to contribute to worsening pollution levels, endangering both public health and the environment.
Despite ongoing efforts, air quality in both cities remains a severe concern. The Climate Action Centre (CAC), a non-governmental organisation, attributed the smog in Lahore and other Punjab cities, as well as the haze in Karachi, primarily to vehicular emissions. According to CAC Director Yasir Hussain, vehicle emissions account for 80% of pollution in Lahore and 60% in Karachi.
In addition to air pollution, health experts are raising alarms about a measles outbreak during winter. This highly contagious disease, marked by symptoms such as runny nose, fever, cough, red eyes, and skin rashes, poses a deadly threat to malnourished, immunocompromised, and unvaccinated children.
Doctors have urged parents to vaccinate their children between nine months and one and a half years to pro