Air pollution in Karachi has escalated to critical levels. On Monday, the city’s air quality index (AQI) reached 207, ranking it the fourth most polluted city globally.
According to international rankings, cities like New Delhi, Lahore, and Cairo have reported even poorer air quality. According to the Swiss group’s live rankings, Lahore held second with an AQI of 404.
Yasir Hussain, head of the Climate Action Centre, reported in a local newspaper that 60-70% of Karachi’s air pollution is due to vehicular emissions. The report highlighted the significant role of motorcycles in this pollution, which is driven by the lack of adequate public transportation.
Hussain also noted that motorcycles have used $15 billion worth of petrol in the last five years, accounting for 69% of the pollution from fuel consumption.
Environmental researchers have pointed out the severe health effects of this pollution, which they say cuts life expectancy by nearly four years on average.
Latest Air Quality Index of cities in Pakistan.
Caution: Residents in unhealthy and hazardous areas should avoid outdoor activities.#Karachi #Lahore #Islamabad #Rawalpindi #Peshawar #Pakistan #AirQuality #News #PublicHealth pic.twitter.com/U8Nz1DTfO5
— Air Quality Watch (@aqiwatch) November 19, 2024Pakistan sees over 100,000 pollution-related deaths annually, with the World Health Organization attributing seven million global deaths each year to environmental pollution.
Experts advocate for lasting solutions such as establishing no-vehicle zones and enhancing public transport systems to reduce emissions in urban areas like Karachi.
Pakistan’s reliance on fossil fuels intensifies this crisis, with the country having imported $73 billion of petroleum products over the past five years.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari responded to severe smog in parts of Punjab and K-P by encouraging Pakistanis to relocate to Karachi.
As Karachi confronts deteriorating air quality, immediate reforms are crucial to protect public health and the environment.
