KARACHI, November 15, 2024: The air quality in Karachi deteriorated sharply on Friday morning, with temperatures dropping and pollutants trapped close to the ground.
The air quality in Karachi reached a “very unhealthy” AQI of 220, making it the fourth most polluted city in the world at the time.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses the most significant health risks, was found to be 25.8 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air quality guidelines around 9 a.m.
Meanwhile, Lahore continues to face severe pollution, topping global rankings with an AQI of 732.
Read More: Smog Crisis: Lahore’s Air Quality Reaches ‘Hazardous’ Levels
The level of PM2.5 in Lahore was 88.4 times higher than WHO’s recommended limits, leaving residents struggling with the hazardous air.
Thick smog blanketed the city, reducing visibility to zero in several areas, leading to the closure of key motorways, including the M-2, M-3, M-4, and M-5, which connect major cities across Punjab and Sindh.
The closures disrupted travel, while a road accident in Gujranwala resulted in seven injuries, including three children.
The city of Multan recorded the worst air quality in Pakistan, with an AQI of 810—96.2 times higher than WHO’s guidelines—marking it as one of the most hazardous places to live due to pollution.
The toxic haze, caused by a mix of vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and widespread crop burning, is choking millions of people across Punjab.
In Faisalabad, the AQI briefly reached 497, prompting complaints of eye irritation and respiratory distress from residents.
The relentless smog has sparked widespread concern, with experts calling for urgent government action to tackle the sources of pollution and protect public health.
Also Read More: Punjab Imposes Emergency Restrictions as Air Quality Hits Dangerous Levels
Authorities in Punjab have also blamed the crisis on pollution drifting in from neighboring India, where northern regions are experiencing similar levels of hazardous air.
Provincial officials have pledged to raise the issue with the Indian government through diplomatic channels.
The smog crisis has become an annual winter problem in many parts of South Asia. As the situation worsens, there are growing calls for stronger environmental policies to reduce pollution, improve air quality, and safeguard the health and well-being of millions of people.