KARACHI: As Karachiites grapple with the ongoing cold wave, their woes have been compounded by deteriorating air quality, making Karachi the most polluted city in the world on Tuesday, according to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
- Karachi’s AQI: Recorded at 271, categorised as “very unhealthy.”
- PM2.5 Pollutants: Concentration measured at 162 µg/m³, a staggering 32.4 times higher than World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Causes of Poor Air Quality
The city’s worsening air quality is attributed to:
- Cold Weather Conditions:
- Lower temperatures trap dust and pollutants closer to the ground, leading to smog.
- Pollution Sources:
- Emissions from vehicles and factories.
- Lack of effective pollution control measures.
Weather Conditions in Karachi
- Minimum Temperature: 10.5°C (last 24 hours).
- Forecast:
- Temperatures between 9°C and 11°C in the next day.
- Maximum temperature likely between 25°C and 27°C.
- Humidity: 41%.
- Winds: 8-10 km/h from the northeast.
Comparative Rankings of Global Cities
Other cities on the most polluted list include:
- Dhaka, Bangladesh: AQI of 210.
- Wuhan, China: AQI of 208.
- Delhi, India: AQI of 204.
- Lahore, Pakistan: AQI of 194, ranked fifth with an “unhealthy” status.
Seasonal Pollution Trends in Pakistan
- Punjab’s Smog Issues:
- A mix of low-grade fuel emissions, crop burning, and winter conditions trap pollutants.
- Spread to Karachi: Seasonal smog and pollution also affect southern cities like Karachi.
Health Risks
The WHO warns of severe health consequences linked to prolonged exposure to toxic air, including:
- Strokes.
- Heart diseases.
- Lung cancer.
- Respiratory illnesses.
Call for Action
The alarming air quality levels highlight the urgent need for:
- Stricter pollution control measures.
- Transition to cleaner fuels.
- Public awareness campaigns on the health risks of air pollution.
