Islamabad, Nov 13: Lahore currently ranks as the most polluted city in Pakistan, based on real-time air quality data from IQAir. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city has surged to a critical level of 435, raising serious health concerns for the local population.
Other major cities in Punjab, including Multan and Rawalpindi, are also facing alarmingly high pollution levels, securing the second and third positions on the list. This ranking highlights a troubling trend of elevated AQI levels throughout the country, with particular severity in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The air quality in these areas has deteriorated to a point that presents substantial health hazards, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues. As pollution levels keep rising, urgent actions are needed to improve air quality and safeguard public health.
Following are the most polluted cities in Pakistan today:
| Rank | City | Province | US AQI |
| 1 | Lahore | Punjab | 435 |
| 2 | Multan | Punjab | 324 |
| 3 | Rawalpindi | Punjab | 273 |
| 4 | Islamabad | Islamabad | 214 |
| 5 | Peshawar | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 209 |
| 6 | Abbottabad | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 163 |
| 7 | Haripur | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 139 |
| 8 | Karachi | Sindh | 134 |
Air quality index as of 10 AM
