Karachi’s air quality improved significantly, with most areas now in safe ranges, while a single district experienced a dangerous and isolated pollution surge.
Data collected at 6:00pm highlighted lower particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations across most parts of the city.
DHA Phase 5 recorded a concerning AQI of 159, firmly in the “Unhealthy” zone. This spike contrasts sharply with the cleaner air enjoyed by the rest of the city.
Elsewhere, conditions were good: Shahra-e-Faisal was at 56 (“Good”), and North Nazimabad at 101 (“Moderate”). This disparity highlights highly localized pollution problems.
The three-day forecast predicts stable conditions within the “Moderate” range for the city. However, the DHA spike shows forecasts can miss hyper-local hazardous events.
Yasir Darya, director of the Climate Action Center in Karachi, described the city’s air as improved from the days earlier.
“In the past, Karachi experienced toxic air quality levels during winter; however, the current cold wave in Karachi has brought temporary relief, improving air quality and offering residents some respite,” he added.
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Darya urged sensitive group, especially with respiratory illness, to wear face masks when going outdoors to reduce exposure to harmful PM2.5 particles.
This news report is produced in collaboration with Climate Action Center Karachi.
Karachi Air Quality
How many categories are there to measure Air Quality?
AQI 0–50: Good
The air quality is considered excellent, with minimal or no risk to public health. There are no necessary precautions for the general population.
AQI 51–100: Moderate
Air quality is generally acceptable; however, there may be a slight health concern for a small number of individuals who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Active children, adults, and people with respiratory conditions like asthma should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity.
AQI 101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Sensitive individuals, such as those with asthma or other respiratory issues, may begin to experience health effects, although the general population is unlikely to be affected. It is advised that active children, adults, and those with respiratory conditions limit extended outdoor exertion.
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AQI 151–200: Unhealthy
Health effects may begin to affect everyone, with sensitive groups potentially experiencing more serious symptoms. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory illnesses should avoid prolonged outdoor activity, while others—especially children—should reduce outdoor exertion.
AQI 201–300: Very Unhealthy
This range signals emergency-level health warnings. The entire population is more likely to experience adverse health effects. Those with respiratory conditions and active individuals should avoid all outdoor activity, while everyone else, particularly children, should limit time spent outdoors.
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AQI 300+: Hazardous
Air quality is extremely poor, posing a serious risk to health for everyone. A health alert is in effect, and all outdoor exertion should be avoided by the entire population.
