Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, has been ranked as the fifth most polluted capital city in the world, according to the latest global air quality report by IQAir.
The report, which analyzed data from over 7,000 cities worldwide, revealed a worrying trend in air quality across major urban centers, with Islamabad recording dangerous levels of PM2.5 particles, far above the World Health Organization’s safe limits.
Environmental experts cite vehicle emissions, unchecked construction activities, and seasonal smog as key contributors to the capital’s declining air quality. The city’s current Air Quality Index (AQI) levels have consistently remained in the “unhealthy” category for sensitive groups.
Citizens have expressed growing concern over health issues, particularly respiratory problems among children and the elderly. Calls for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and the promotion of green energy initiatives are gaining momentum.
This ranking follows similar concerns raised about Lahore and Karachi, both of which frequently appear among the world’s most polluted cities.
