Fact Check: Was Pakistan the world’s most polluted country in 2025?

Claim: Pakistan was ranked the most polluted country in the world in 2025.

Verdict: True

What’s the story?

A report cited by Reuters claims that Pakistan topped the list of the world’s most polluted countries in 2025, based on PM2.5 levels—tiny harmful air particles that pose serious health risks. The findings come from Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir.

What Factcheck India Found?

• According to IQAir’s 2025 global air quality report, Pakistan recorded the highest average PM2.5 levels globally, making it the most polluted country that year.
• The report states that PM2.5 concentrations in Pakistan were up to 13 times higher than the safe limits set by the World Health Organization (which recommends less than 5 µg/m³ annually).
• Other countries high on the pollution list include Bangladesh and Tajikistan, indicating a broader regional air quality crisis.
• Importantly, 130 out of 143 countries failed to meet WHO air quality standards, highlighting that this is a global—not just regional—problem.

Conclusion

Pakistan being ranked the most polluted country in 2025 is factually correct based on available data, but the ranking should be understood in context of data gaps and broader global air pollution trends.