Pakistan was ranked the world’s smoggiest country in 2025, with concentrations of hazardous small particles known as PM2.5 up to 13 times higher than the recommended World Health Organisation level, research showed on Tuesday. These particles, arising from combustion, industrial emissions, and wildfires, penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to cardiac and respiratory diseases, as well as premature deaths.
Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir said in its annual report that 13 countries and territories kept average PM2.5 levels at the WHO standard of less than 5 micrograms per cubic metre last year, up from seven in 2024.
Karachi recorded dangerously high levels of PM2.5, with an AQI over 100, classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on September 29, 2025. Cities like Hyderabad and Lahore are also facing similar air quality concerns.