Archive · 29 Oct 2025
Lahore Remains World's Most Polluted City Amid Severe Smog
Lahore, a city in Pakistan, has been named the most polluted city in the world because of thick smog.
The air quality is so bad it's like a dangerous haze.
The tiny particles in the air are very high, making it hard to breathe and unhealthy, especially for kids and older people.
Some parts of the city are even worse, like an emergency situation.
Another Pakistani city, Karachi, is also among the top polluted cities.
Because the air is so bad, officials are telling everyone to stay inside to stay safe.
Lahore, Pakistan, has been identified as the world's most polluted city with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 329.
PM2.5 pollutant levels in Lahore reached 287 micrograms per cubic meter, contributing to the hazardous air quality.
Karachi, Pakistan, also ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities globally, with an AQI of 174.
Some areas in Lahore experienced extremely high AQI levels, with one location recording 505, indicating an emergency health warning.
Authorities have issued health advisories, recommending that residents, particularly children and the elderly, stay indoors.
- Who
- Swiss air quality monitor IQAir
- What
- Lahore ranked as the world's most polluted city due to severe smog, with high levels of PM2.5.
- When
- Tuesday (current AQI) and previously
- Where
- Lahore, Pakistan
- Why
- Severe smog and high levels of particulate matter contributing to hazardous air quality.
Authorities
Health Advisory
Air Quality and Health
Authorities
Lahore has been identified as the world's most polluted city with an AQI of 329, and PM2.5 levels reaching 287. Some areas in Lahore recorded an AQI of 505, considered an emergency health warning. Karachi also ranked high with an AQI of 174.
Health Advisory
Authorities have issued health advisories urging citizens, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors due to the hazardous air quality.
- City
- Lahore, Pakistan
- Ranking
- World's most polluted city
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
- 329 (at 9 am local time)
- PM2.5 Concentration
- 287 micrograms per cubic meter
- Other Polluted City in Pakistan
- Karachi (ranked 3rd with AQI 174)
- Emergency AQI Reading
- 505 (at City School, Allama Iqbal Town)
