According to the latest reports issued by environmental monitoring agencies, Pakistan has currently ranked first in the world in terms of air pollution, while neighboring country India is in second place.

According to the report, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore was recorded at 304, which has been declared a very dangerous level for human health. According to global standards, an AQI of more than 300 is considered in the “very hazardous to health” category.

Similarly, the air quality in India’s capital New Delhi and Pakistan’s industrial city Faisalabad has also deteriorated to an alarming level, where an AQI of 221 was recorded.

Environmental experts say that an air quality index of more than 302 significantly increases the risks of respiratory diseases, asthma, eye irritation, allergies and heart diseases. Experts have expressed concern that pollution could increase further in the coming days due to burning crop residues, vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and dry weather.