Capital city in Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Air quality in Islamabad
Very polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Islamabad was 32.3 µg/m³ in 2020, about 6.5 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Cleaner than Lahore, but winter smog and haze can reach moderate or unhealthy levels in Nov–Jan.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 32.3 µg/m³ yearly average (2020). Measured at Islamabad.
- Nitrogen dioxide: 21.1 µg/m³ (2020), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Nov–Jan.
- Recent average: 36.6 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2018 |
Air quality across Pakistan
Quick answers
Is the air in Islamabad bad?
Very polluted: 32.3 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 6.5× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Jan.
When is the air worst in Islamabad?
Cleaner than Lahore, but winter smog and haze can reach moderate or unhealthy levels in Nov–Jan.
How does Islamabad compare with the rest of Pakistan?
People in Pakistan breathe 58 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 32.3 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Islamabad
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA)
- Islamabad International Airport (CAA)
- Shifa International Hospital
Annual averages are measured values reported to the WHO; check a live map for today's air. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.