KARACHI, November 30, 3034: Karachi’s air quality has deteriorated to “very unhealthy” levels for the first time in a month, as smog continues to blanket various parts of the country.
On Saturday morning, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to a concerning 212, making it the most-polluted major city in the world, according to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir.
The level of toxic PM2.5 pollutants in the city’s air was recorded at 27.4 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit at approximately 9:20 a.m.
Although the AQI briefly surpassed the 200 threshold, deemed “very unhealthy,” it later dropped to 194 after a slight improvement.
Read More: Smog Returns to Lahore: AQI Hits 502, Exceeding Safe Limits by Over 63 Times
The primary sources of Karachi’s pollution are a combination of high vehicular emissions, factory discharges, and the burning of refuse and garbage.
Despite the temporary dip in the AQI, the ongoing pollution crisis remains a significant concern for residents, with many grappling with hazardous air quality.
Meanwhile, Lahore has retained its position as the second-most polluted city in the world, with an AQI of 298—just two points away from entering the “hazardous” category.
The Indian capital, New Delhi, remains at the top of the global pollution rankings.
Punjab, particularly Lahore, has been engulfed in persistent smog for nearly two months.
This seasonal pollution is exacerbated by emissions from factories and vehicles, combined with the practice of crop burning by farmers.
Also Read More: Punjab Tests Artificial Rain to Combat Smog
The cooler winter temperatures and slow-moving winds trap the toxic air, worsening conditions for millions of residents.
Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to toxic air can lead to severe health problems, including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases.
The WHO continues to raise alarms about the catastrophic impact of air pollution on public health, urging governments to take stronger action to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
