Pakistan has been ranked the third most polluted country in the world, while Karachi has emerged as the eighth most polluted city, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) report.

The air quality in Karachi was recorded at an AQI level of 155, placing it in the “unhealthy” category.

Experts said the concentration of PM2.5 particles and hazardous pollutants in the city’s air has reached 60.1 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the safe limit level.

Health specialists have advised citizens to wear masks outdoors and avoid unnecessary exposure to polluted air.

They also urged residents to keep the windows of their homes closed, refrain from exercising outdoors, and use air purifiers in homes and offices to minimise health risks.

The experts have warned that people suffering from respiratory diseases must take extra precautions due to the elevated levels of fine particulate matter.

Globally, air pollution is considered the second leading cause of death, with an estimated 8.1 million deaths attributed to poor air quality each year.