Pakistan Ranked Third Most Polluted Country in 2024: IQAir Report

The 2024 World Air Quality Report ranked Pakistan as the third most polluted country, with PM2.5 levels significantly exceeding WHO guidelines. Cities such as Lahore and Peshawar faced increased pollution, while Karachi saw a decrease. Approximately 70% of the population suffers health issues due to smog. Chad and Bangladesh ranked first and second, respectively, for pollution levels worldwide.

According to the annual World Air Quality Report published by the Swiss air technology company IQAir, Pakistan has been ranked as the third most polluted country globally in 2024. Chad leads the list, followed by Bangladesh, while the Democratic Republic of Congo and India follow closely behind. Pakistan’s average concentration of PM2.5 particles was recorded at 73.7 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s safe levels by nearly 15 times.

Despite enduring persistent smog, Pakistan’s air pollution levels have remained unchanged from 2023. Regionally, it ranks second in Central and South Asia, only behind Bangladesh, with cities like Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot among the 15 most polluted in the area. The report acknowledged multiple sources contributing to high pollution levels in Pakistan, such as biomass burning, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and construction dust.

Some cities in Pakistan, including Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, experienced an increase in annual pollution levels compared to 2023. Conversely, Karachi showcased a decline in PM2.5 readings, decreasing from over 55 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023 to approximately 46 micrograms in 2024. Notably, five Pakistani cities reported pollution levels surpassing 200 microns in November.

The findings stem from an analysis of data collected from over 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across nearly 139 locations in 138 countries. A separate report from Ipsos indicated that nearly 70% of people in Pakistan suffer health problems attributed to smog. Meanwhile, comparisons with other countries revealed that Chad’s levels are 18 times above the WHO safe limits, while India’s pollution is 10 times higher than recommended.

Byrnihat, an industrial town in India, was identified as the most polluted metropolitan area globally for 2024, with an alarming average PM2.5 level of 128.2 micrograms per cubic meter. New Delhi was cited as the world’s most polluted capital, with Dhaka, Kinshasa, and Islamabad following in the rankings. While South Asia grapples with severe pollution issues, Oceania represented the cleanest region in 2024.

Pakistan’s ranking as the third most polluted country underscores the persistent and severe air quality issues faced by the nation. Despite some regional improvements, alarming pollution levels persist, with substantial health implications for the population. Efforts must be made to address the various pollution sources and improve air quality for the sake of public health and environmental sustainability.

Original Source: tribune.com.pk