Jan 02, Kathmandu- Karachi and Lahore have been ranked as the most polluted cities in the world, according to IQAir's latest Air Quality Index (AQI) classification, based on data from major global air quality monitoring services.

Both Lahore and Karachi are grappling with severe air pollution. It poses a major threat to public health. Lahore in particular is ranked as the most polluted city in the world. Lahore has an AQI of 354. This is considered ‘hazardous’ for residents.

According to the Express Tribune, the city with a population of over 11 million has been grappling with poor air quality for long due to vehicular emissions, industrial activities and crop burning.

As a result, many residents have faced increasing respiratory problems, including asthma and other lung diseases, especially during the winter months when the smog is at its most intense.