Lahore and Dhaka rank unhealthy on the air quality index
- Update Time : 06:58:27 am, Wednesday, 19 February 2025
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Lahore, Pakistan, ranked as the most polluted city in the world on Wednesday among 124 cities, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) by IQAir. The city recorded a score of 261, categorized as “very unhealthy.” Dhaka, Bangladesh, followed in second place with a score of 243, also deemed “very unhealthy,” while Kathmandu, Nepal, ranked third with a score of 213 in the same category.
The live AQI rankings, automatically updated on the Swiss-based IQAir website, also placed New Delhi, India, in fourth position with a score of 189, considered “unhealthy.” Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was fifth with a score of 174, also labeled as “unhealthy.”
In Dhaka, particularly polluted areas included Hemayetpur in Savar (328), Base Edgewater in Madani Avenue (300), the U.S. Embassy (283), and Gulshan Lake Park (264). Scores above 300 are classified as “hazardous,” posing severe health risks.
IQAir categorizes air quality as follows: 51–100 is “moderate,” 101–150 is “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” 151–200 is “unhealthy,” 201–300 is “very unhealthy,” and 301+ is “hazardous.” For residents of Dhaka, IQAir advises wearing masks outdoors, especially for sensitive groups, and avoiding outdoor exercise to minimize exposure to polluted air.
