Pakistan Ranks 3rd Among World’s Most Polluted Countries in 2024

In 2024, Pakistan was ranked as the third most polluted country globally, following Chad and Bangladesh, according to IQAir’s World Air Quality Report.  The nation’s average PM2.5 concentration was 73.7 µg/m³, nearly 15 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended safe levels. This period saw unprecedented smog, particularly in Punjab, leading to a “calamity” declaration and approximately two million seeking medical attention. In the Central and South Asia region, Pakistan ranked second, with cities like Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot among the 15 most polluted.