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Air pollution crisis in South Asian cities

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-21 04:38 UTC → 2026-10-26 19:49 UTC · added removed

Major cities in South Asia are experiencing severe air quality crises. In early October, Lahore was ranked as the world’s most polluted city with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 167. Data showed PM2.5 concentrations in Lahore were 15.2 times higher than World Health Organization annual guidelines, driven by vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and crop stubble burning. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz noted that while pollution levels have declined over the last three years, smog remains a persistent problem. By mid-October, Dhaka also faced a severe crisis, with AQI readings ranging between 168 and 178, placing the city in the ‘unhealthy’ category. Dhaka has fluctuated between the fifth and sixth most polluted cities globally. Health experts in both regions have advised vulnerable populations to limit outdoor exposure and use masks to mitigate respiratory risks. 178. On October 21, IQAir data ranked Dhaka as the sixth most polluted city in the world, world with an AQI of 167, a level classified as ‘unhealthy’. During this period, while Lahore topped the global list with a score of 265, followed by Delhi, India, at 257. Other cities reporting unhealthy air quality included Mumbai, India; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; As the winter smog season approached in late October, pollution levels escalated further. Lahore was ranked as the second most polluted major city globally with an AQI of 199, while other districts in Pakistan’s Punjab province, including Pakpattan and Jakarta, Indonesia. Multan, reported AQIs exceeding 200. In India, medical experts warned of long-term respiratory risks, noting that children are particularly vulnerable to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can impair lung growth and lead to chronic health issues. Health experts maintain that when AQI scores exceed 151, it is dangerous for the general public to be outdoors without masks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-26 19:49 UTC Air pollution crisis in South Asian cities
  2. 2026-10-21 04:38 UTC Air pollution crisis in South Asian cities
  3. 2026-10-19 05:22 UTC Air pollution crisis in South Asian cities

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