Karachi’s air pollution levels surged sharply on Monday evening, with Shahra-e-Faisal emerging as the city’s most polluted area, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.
The Karachi AQI June 15 data recorded Shahra-e-Faisal at 152 PM2.5, placing it in the “Unhealthy” category and posing health risks to the general population. The spike marked a dramatic deterioration from Sunday’s comparatively cleaner conditions and highlighted the city’s unpredictable air quality patterns.
Data recorded at 9:30 PM showed Shahra-e-Faisal significantly ahead of other monitored locations in terms of pollution levels. Gulistan-e-Johar registered 104 PM2.5, placing it in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category.
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Several other areas recorded moderate pollution levels. University Road reported 88 PM2.5, while Aram Bagh measured 87 PM2.5. Malir recorded 85 PM2.5, remaining within the moderate range but close to unhealthy thresholds.
Meanwhile, Clifton Block 4 posted 72 PM2.5, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 14 recorded 71 PM2.5, both falling under the moderate category.
Among the monitored areas, DHA Phase 5 remained the cleanest location in Karachi, with an AQI reading of 35 PM2.5, placing it in the “Good” air quality category.
The three-day forecast indicates slight improvement but continued concerns. Tuesday, June 16, is predicted at 80 PM2.5 in the moderate range. Wednesday, June 17, may improve to 77, while Thursday, June 18, is forecast at 84 PM2.5, remaining moderate but close to the unhealthy threshold.
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.
