Pakistan was ranked the most polluted country in the world in 2025, with hazardous levels of fine particulate matter far exceeding global health standards, according to a report cited by Dawn. The annual assessment by Swiss air quality firm IQAir found that PM2.5 concentrations—tiny airborne particles dangerous to human health—were up to 13 times higher than the guideline set by the World Health Organisation.

The report noted that only 13 countries and territories kept average PM2.5 levels within the WHO’s recommended limit of under 5 micrograms per cubic metre in 2025, up from seven in 2024. However, most countries continued to struggle with air pollution, with 130 out of 143 monitored nations failing to meet the guideline.

Bangladesh and Tajikistan were ranked second and third, respectively, among the most polluted countries. Globally, only 14 percent of cities met WHO air quality standards in 2025, down from 17 percent the previous year. Researchers attributed some of the deterioration to massive wildfires in Canada, which raised PM2.5 levels across the United States and parts of Europe.

Countries that stayed within the WHO limit included Australia, Iceland, Estonia, and Panama. Several Southeast Asian nations recorded improvements: Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia saw notable reductions in PM2.5 levels due to wetter and windier conditions linked to La Nina. Mongolia reported a 31 percent decline in PM2.5, averaging 17.8 micrograms per cubic metre.

IQAir reported that 75 countries experienced lower PM2.5 levels in 2025 compared with 2024, while 54 countries saw increases. Pakistan was ranked first on the Global Terrorism Index for the first time, following a 6 percent rise in terrorism-related deaths during 2025. The Global Terrorism Index 2026, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, recorded 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents, highlighting worsening security conditions.

The report pointed to strained relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan, and rising violence from Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as major security risks. Terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan reached their highest level since 2013, with the TTP emerging as the deadliest group in the country and the third deadliest worldwide.