Pakistan continues to grapple with dangerously high levels of air pollution as Lahore emerges as the most polluted city in the world and Karachi ranks as the fourth most polluted. According to data from the Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a “hazardous” value of 303, while Karachi’s AQI fluctuated around the “very unhealthy” threshold of 200, at times dropping to 197 during the last 24 hours.
Alarming Levels of Pollution
The concentration of PM2.5 pollutants—tiny particulate matter harmful to health—was recorded at 24.2 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. These pollutants, primarily from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and crop burn-off, are exacerbated by seasonal weather conditions, trapping pollutants in the air during winter.
Multan registered an AQI of 294, making it the second most polluted city in Pakistan, followed by Rawalpindi (220) and Peshawar (204). Islamabad was recorded as the seventh most polluted city with an AQI of 170.
Contributing Factors
The high levels of pollution in cities like Lahore and Karachi are attributed to their massive vehicle fleets, extensive industrial activities, and the seasonal burning of crop stubble. Despite government crackdowns on smoke-emitting vehicles and non-compliant industries, pollution levels remain critically high.
Impact on Public Health
Air pollution in Pakistan already contributes to around 12% of deaths in children under five. The current smog crisis poses a heightened risk, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. The long-term health impacts of this severe pollution will require detailed analysis over time.
Measures to Combat Pollution
The government has implemented measures like shutting down brick kilns, regulating industrial emissions, and penalizing vehicles that fail to meet emission standards. However, the effectiveness of these steps in mitigating the crisis remains limited, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
