KARACHI, September 25, 2023 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department has reported that Karachi is expected to have dry and cold weather over the next 24 hours. However, this news is overshadowed by the alarming revelation that Karachi has been ranked as the second most polluted city in the world today, according to the Air Quality Index.
The minimum temperature recorded in the provincial capital city today was 9.2°C. Despite the cold conditions, visibility near the airport was severely hampered, with only 3 kilometers of visibility due to haze.
The weather department also reported that the humidity in the air was at 51%, and winds were blowing from the northeast at a speed of 7 kilometers per hour. While the weather itself may seem bearable, the air quality paints a grim picture.
Karachi’s air quality has deteriorated to an extent where it poses a significant risk to health. The Air Quality Index has recorded 274 particulate meters in the city’s air, making it the second most polluted city globally. This level of pollution is a serious cause for concern as it can have adverse effects on respiratory health and overall well-being.
Lahore also finds itself among the list of highly polluted cities, ranking fifth in the world with an Air Quality Index of 277 particulate meters. This raises concerns about air quality throughout Pakistan.
Today’s ranking places India’s capital, New Delhi, at the top of the list, followed closely by Karachi and Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka. According to the Air Quality Index classification, pollution levels ranging from 151 to 200 degrees are considered harmful to health. Pollution in the range of 201 to 300 degrees is labeled as extremely harmful, while levels exceeding 301 degrees indicate dangerously high pollution levels that pose severe health risks.
Read more: Lahore introduces ‘Blue Road’ to fight pollution
The deteriorating air quality in Karachi is a matter that demands immediate attention from authorities and citizens alike. Efforts to reduce pollution levels, such as promoting cleaner energy sources and reducing emissions, must be accelerated to safeguard the health and well-being of Karachi’s residents.
