Islamabad – Pakistan’s air quality reached crisis levels in 2025, with the country registering the highest concentrations of hazardous fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, globally, according to a new report released Tuesday by IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring firm. The findings reveal that Pakistan’s average PM2.5 level reached 67.3 micrograms per cubic meter – a staggering 13 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. This marks a continuation of a troubling trend, with the average concentration in 2024 measured at 73.7 micrograms.
The report, which analyzed data from 9,446 cities across 143 countries and territories, paints a grim picture of air pollution worldwide. While 13 countries and territories managed to meet the WHO’s air quality standard – an improvement from just seven in 2024 – a vast majority, 130 out of 143 monitored, continue to struggle with unsafe levels of air pollution. The pervasive issue of PM2.5, particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, poses significant health risks, including increased susceptibility to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Growing Health Burden of Air Pollution
Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 has been increasingly linked to serious long-term health consequences. Research, including a feature published by Al Jazeera, highlights the connection between air pollution and a higher risk of premature births, as well as neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. The deadly impact of air pollution is becoming increasingly clear, prompting calls for urgent action to mitigate the crisis.
Bangladesh and Tajikistan followed Pakistan as the second and third most polluted countries in 2025, respectively. Interestingly, Chad, which held the dubious distinction of being the smoggiest country in 2024, dropped to fourth place this year. However, IQAir researchers caution that this apparent improvement may be misleading due to data gaps, as explained below.
Data Gaps and Monitoring Challenges
The accuracy of global air quality assessments is increasingly challenged by limitations in data collection. Last year, the United States discontinued a program that compiled pollution readings from its embassies and consulates worldwide, citing budgetary constraints. This decision has created significant data voids, particularly in countries heavily reliant on this source. Burundi, Turkmenistan, and Togo were excluded from the 2025 IQAir report due to insufficient data.
“The loss of the data in March made it appear there was a significant drop in PM2.5 levels [in Chad], but the fact of the matter is that we don’t know,” explained Christi Chester Schroeder, lead author of the IQAir report. This highlights the critical need for sustained and comprehensive air quality monitoring networks to accurately assess the scale of the problem and track progress towards solutions.
Loni, India: The World’s Most Polluted City
Beyond national averages, the report identified specific cities grappling with particularly severe pollution. Loni, a city in northern India, topped the list as the world’s most polluted city in 2025, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 112.5 micrograms per cubic meter. Hotan, in China’s Xinjiang region, followed closely behind with 109.6 micrograms per cubic meter. The report underscored that all 25 of the world’s most polluted cities are located in China, India, and Pakistan.
Globally, only 14 percent of cities met the WHO air quality standard in 2025, a decline from 17 percent the previous year. In contrast, countries like Australia, Iceland, Estonia, and Panama demonstrated success in maintaining air quality within safe limits.
Regional Variations and Weather Patterns
While the overall trend is concerning, some regions experienced improvements in air quality. Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia reported reductions in PM2.5 levels, largely attributed to wetter and windier conditions associated with the La Niña weather phenomenon. Mongolia also saw a significant decrease, with average PM2.5 concentrations falling by 31 percent to 17.8 micrograms per cubic meter. 75 countries recorded lower PM2.5 levels in 2025 compared to 2024, while 54 experienced higher concentrations.
The report also points to the increasing impact of wildfires, fueled by climate change, on global air quality. Record levels of biomass burning in Europe and Canada released approximately 1,380 megatonnes of carbon in 2025, contributing to increased PM2.5 concentrations and exacerbating the air pollution crisis.
The situation in Pakistan demands immediate and sustained attention. Addressing the root causes of air pollution – including industrial emissions, vehicular traffic, agricultural practices, and seasonal crop burning – will require a multi-faceted approach involving government regulations, public awareness campaigns, and investments in cleaner technologies. The upcoming monsoon season will be a critical period to monitor air quality and assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
Readers concerned about air quality and its health impacts can find more information and resources from the World Health Organization and local environmental agencies.
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