Pollution Rankings in Pakistan

The pollution ranking for Pakistan is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

Karachi

#1 in Pollution (#16 worldwide)

Karachi struggles significantly with pollution, notably poor air quality exacerbated by heavy PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter levels. Residents express serious concerns over the health impacts of these pollution levels, with environmental conditions affecting daily living standards.

Lahore

#2 in Pollution (#53 worldwide)

Lahore faces significant pollution challenges, particularly related to poor air quality and high particulate matter levels. Urban development and industrial activity are the main contributors to these environmental issues. The air quality in the city is poor, with ongoing health concerns over pollution levels affecting daily life and long-term health outcomes for residents.

Peshawar

#3 in Pollution (#80 worldwide)

Peshawar struggles with serious pollution issues despite some improvements. Air quality, impacted heavily by vehicular emissions and industrial discharge, remains a key health risk. The city faces a significant challenge with high particulate matter levels impacting residents' health, requiring urgent attention to mitigate long-term risks.

Islamabad

#4 in Pollution (#225 worldwide)

Islamabad experiences significant challenges with air quality, primarily due to high levels of particulate matter. Urban development and traffic emissions are key contributors to pollution levels in the city. The air quality index reflects moderate to poor conditions, with heightened concerns from residents about health impacts associated with air pollution.