The Deputy Parliamentary Leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan (MQM-P) Taha Ahmed Khan has urged the Sindh Chief Minister to take immediate action as Karachi’s air pollution reaches hazardous levels, posing a grave threat to public health.
Khan highlighted that PM 2.5 levels in Karachi are now six times higher than the limits prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO), severely endangering the health of citizens.
He said pollution in some parts of the city has exceeded 200 micrograms per cubic meter, far above safe levels.
He warned that Karachi’s worsening air quality could lead to a surge in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly affecting children and the elderly.
“Karachi’s air has become toxic. The situation is no longer tolerable,” Khan stated.
READ: Karachi air quality updates: Check AQI readings of your area
The deputy parliamentary leader demanded that the Sindh government immediately formulate a Clean Air and Electric Vehicle Policy to control industrial and vehicular emissions.
He called for strict zoning restrictions on factories and high-emission vehicles operating near residential areas.
Khan stressed that electric public transport projects should be expanded across Karachi and Hyderabad to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb pollution from outdated vehicles and buses.
Instead of relying on short-term solutions such as artificial air purifiers, Khan urged authorities to prioritize tree planting and natural methods to cleanse the air.
“We must invest in green infrastructure, not just mechanical fixes,” he added.
He also called on the Sindh Chief Minister to declare Karachi’s air pollution a public health emergency, urging coordinated efforts between environmental, health, and transport departments to safeguard the public.
