As smog continues to envelop various regions, Karachi’s air quality has plummeted to “very unhealthy” levels for the first time in a month.
On Saturday morning, according to the Swiss group IQAir’s rankings, the city’s air quality index (AQI) reached a high of 212, positioning it as the most polluted major city globally.
Karachi saw PM2.5 pollutant concentrations 27.4 times above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels around 9:20 am. The city’s air briefly surpassed the 200 AQI mark, which experts consider “very unhealthy” for the first time in weeks, before decreasing slightly to an AQI of 194.
IQAir attributes Karachi’s high pollution levels to extensive vehicle emissions, rampant refuse and garbage burning, and factory discharges.
🌬️ Breathe easy or brace yourself? Check out Karachi's real-time air quality with @IQAir! Stay informed and stay safe, Pakistan! https://t.co/xOKAG5mEYn#Karachi #AirQuality #BreatheBetter 🇵🇰✨" pic.twitter.com/mOyFzQp3g8
— Photo News (@PhotoNewsPk) November 30, 2024Meanwhile, Lahore maintained its status as the world’s second-most polluted city with an AQI of 298, nearing the “hazardous” category. At the same time, New Delhi remained at the top of the global pollution rankings.
In Punjab, deadly smog grips the province, with Lahore consistently ranking as one of the most polluted cities globally for nearly two months.
Despite some recent fluctuations in AQI, which are showing temporary improvements, persistent smog continues to cover Lahore, presenting ongoing health risks to its residents.
Each winter, the region experiences severe air pollution from low-grade fuel emissions from factories and vehicles, compounded by farmers’ crop burning. Cooler temperatures and sluggish winds trap these pollutants, creating hazardous conditions.
The WHO has warned that prolonged exposure to toxic air can lead to severe health issues, including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.
