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Amidst a concerning surge in air pollution in Karachi, Sindh’s Caretaker Chief Minister, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, issues a public plea for the widespread use of face masks to counter the adverse effects of deteriorating air quality. The statement from the Sindh Chief Minister’s House underscores the importance of protective measures, urging citizens and educational institutions alike to prioritize face mask usage, especially among students, as a preventive step against illnesses associated with smog.
Beyond individual precautions, the caretaker chief minister advocates a paradigm shift in urban planning, encouraging all stakeholders to transition away from car-centric infrastructure. He emphasizes the necessity of redirecting investments towards public transport and pedestrian-friendly alternatives, aligning with sustainable practices to combat escalating pollution levels.
Presently, Karachi finds itself ranked as the third city globally with the most severe air quality index (AQI) according to IQ Air, highlighting the urgency of addressing the environmental crisis. This development mirrors a broader trend across the country, where severe smog and worsening pollution levels have become pervasive.
Notably, Punjab, particularly Lahore, consistently tops the global charts as the most polluted city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a crucial metric, categorizing an AQI between 151-200 as unhealthy, 201-300 as more harmful, and an AQI surpassing 300 as extremely hazardous.
Experts attribute the surge in pollution during winter to atmospheric conditions, causing the downward movement of poisonous particles, intensifying pollution levels. This phenomenon results in a blanket of polluted particles, laden with carbon and smoke, covering affected areas and posing substantial health risks.
The sources of this pollution include the burning of crop remnants, industrial emissions, and the combustion of coal, garbage, oil, or tires. This environmental challenge persists from the onset of winter until the end of the season, necessitating collective efforts to mitigate its impact and raise awareness about sustainable practices.
