Residents across Karachi are breathing dangerously polluted air, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations soaring far above safe limits in multiple neighborhoods, according to real-time air quality monitoring data.
As of 6:00 PM Tuesday, North Nazimabad and Orangi Town recorded the city’s highest PM2.5 level at 186 micrograms per cubic meter – more than 12 times the World Health Organization’s recommended 24-hour exposure limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
Several other major areas of the city also reported alarmingly high pollution levels. University Road recorded the highest PM2.5 concentration at 157, followed by Clifton Block 4 with 142.
Pollution levels remained critically elevated along key arteries, with Shahra-e-Faisal registering 138, while Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 14 recorded 137.
READ: Karachi’s air quality remains ‘Unhealthy’ citywide
Other densely populated areas were similarly affected. Gulistan-e-Johar reported PM2.5 levels of 130, Malir recorded 126, and Mauripur saw concentrations reach 125.
Meanwhile, Garden also experienced unhealthy air conditions, with pollution levels measured at 120, underscoring the citywide nature of the air quality crisis.
Health experts have issued urgent warnings, noting that PM2.5 – tiny particles small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs – poses severe risks, especially to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
Prolonged exposure is linked to asthma, lung cancer, heart attacks, and strokes.
The city-wide spike is attributed to a combination of winter temperature inversion, which traps pollutants near the ground, alongside unregulated vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and construction dust.
With air quality forecasts predicting little improvement over the next 72 hours, citizens are urged to take precautionary measures and limit non-essential travel until pollution levels recede.
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.
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.
To stay informed about current Karachi Air Quality, visit TOK Weather Page
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.
