Karachi is engulfed in a severe air pollution crisis, with new data revealing alarmingly high levels of hazardous particulate matter across the city.
Every monitored location shows readings that drastically exceed global safety standards, creating a citywide public health emergency.
The latest readings show PM2.5 concentrations at shocking levels. At the Urban Unit in Jamshed Town, the concentration hit 229 µg/m³, while the Climate Action Center nearby recorded 210 µg/m³. These figures are more than fifteen times the World Health Organization’s annual guideline.
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In the Gulshan district, the situation is equally dire. The Aga Khan University Main Campus reported a level of 204 µg/m³, and Asif Gulistan-e-Johar recorded 208 µg/m³.
NED University’s Main Campus measured 200 µg/m³, and its City Campus recorded 169 µg/m³. The University of Karachi’s institute reported 191 µg/m³.
DG House and Zafar Memon DHA reported levels of 195 and 183 µg/m³ respectively.
This news report is produced in collaboration with Climate Action Center Karachi.
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.
