Air quality in Karachi has deteriorated sharply, with PM2.5 concentrations across the city reaching very unhealthy to hazardous levels.
Monitoring stations across multiple towns recorded readings ranging from 166 to 228 µg/m³, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit of 15 µg/m³.
The highest pollution levels were observed in Asif Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan District, at 228 µg/m³, and Karachi Zoo, Jamshed Town, at 218 µg/m³.
Four other hotspots included NED University City Campus, Saddar Town (194), Orangi Pilot Project, SITE Town (193), and the Urban Resource Center, Jamshed Town (193).
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Several locations in Saddar Town, including DG House DHA 5 and Zafar Memon DHA, recorded 186 µg/m³, while Aman Khan Kaka Khail, North Nazimabad Town reported 180 µg/m³.
Keamari Town’s Solid Waste Management site measured 166 µg/m³, indicating very unhealthy conditions.
Health experts have warned that such elevated PM2.5 levels can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Prolonged exposure may cause coughing, breathing difficulties, throat irritation, and in severe cases, long-term lung damage.
Environmental analysts attribute the spike in pollution to unregulated industrial emissions, heavy vehicular traffic, ongoing construction, and open garbage burning.
Seasonal weather patterns have further trapped pollutants near ground level, worsening the situation.
Authorities and environmental groups are urging immediate action, including stricter enforcement of emission standards, a crackdown on illegal industrial activities, improved urban waste management, and measures to reduce vehicular emissions.
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.
