KARACHI: According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Lahore continues to dominate the list of the world’s most polluted cities, while Karachi has climbed to the seventh spot.

Data shows that Lahore’s air quality remains at hazardous levels, with particulate matter (PM) concentration recorded at 404, while Karachi’s reading stood at 147, indicating unhealthy air conditions.

Under the AQI scale, pollution levels between 150 and 200 are considered unhealthy, 200 to 300 are categorized as very unhealthy, and readings above 300 denote hazardous air quality.

Meanwhile, India’s capital New Delhi ranked second, and Beijing, the capital of China, secured the third position on the global pollution index.

Experts attribute the worsening air quality to seasonal changes, industrial emissions, heavy traffic, and irresponsible waste disposal practices.

Earlier, capital of Punjab province, Lahore topped the global pollution ranking with an unhealthy air quality level.

The second largest city in Pakistan continues to suffer from smog crises that has affected the health and livelihood of millions of people.

The latest data shows that Lahore’s air quality index is 427, which means the city’s air quality is worst.

The Indian capital Delhi is second in this list while Indian city of Kolkata is third in the list and Dubai is fourth in the list of the most polluted cities.

On the other hand, Punjab Environment Agency has demolished 328 brick kilns across the province since October 1, 2024.