Air Quality Archives

Lahore tops pollution index as air quality worsens in major cities

December 10, 2025 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Air quality levels in all four provincial capitals have deteriorated significantly, raising environmental and health concerns.

According to the global environmental monitoring website, Lahore topped the list of the most polluted cities in the world with a particulate matter (PM) level of 253. Quetta followed with 248, while Peshawar and Karachi recorded PM levels of 243 and 236 respectively.

Dense smog continues to blanket parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, severely affecting visibility. Due to poor conditions, Motorway M-1 has been closed from Peshawar to Burhan, and M-5 remains shut from Zahir Pir to Sher Shah.

Meanwhile, most parts of the country are expected to remain cold and dry today, while upper hilly regions may experience very cold conditions during morning and night hours.

Smog is likely to prevail in plain areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with chances of fog at a few locations during late night and early morning.

Cold and dry weather is also forecast for Islamabad and surrounding areas.

Lahore tops global list of most polluted cities

October 25, 2025 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Lahore has once again recorded the worst air quality in the world, maintaining its position at the top of the global pollution rankings, while Karachi has moved up to seventh place, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Data shows that Lahore’s air quality remains at hazardous levels, with particulate matter (PM) concentration recorded at 404, while Karachi’s reading stood at 147, indicating unhealthy air conditions.

Under the AQI scale, pollution levels between 150 and 200 are considered unhealthy, 200 to 300 are categorized as very unhealthy, and readings above 300 denote hazardous air quality.

Meanwhile, India’s capital New Delhi ranked second, and Beijing, the capital of China, secured the third position on the global pollution index.

Experts attribute the worsening air quality to seasonal changes, industrial emissions, heavy traffic, and irresponsible waste disposal practices.

Karachi’s Air Pollution: The City That Can’t Breathe

October 11, 2025October 10, 2025 by Tayyab Jajjvi

Smog and traffic pollution covering Karachi’s skyline.

Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub — has become one of the most polluted cities globally.
According to The Nation (Mar 4, 2025), Karachi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 179, categorized as “unhealthy.” At times in 2023, the AQI exceeded 200, ranking the city 9th most polluted in the world.

Main Causes

Vehicular emissions: Over 4 million vehicles on Karachi’s roads run on low-quality fuel.
Industrial smoke: Factories release toxic gases without emission control systems.
Garbage burning: According to The News (Dec 2023), open burning contributes over 30% of airborne particulate matter.
Construction dust: Continuous urban expansion adds high levels of PM2.5 pollutants.

Health Impacts

The News International (Feb 2024) found that Karachi’s PM2.5 levels are 25.8 times higher than WHO’s safe limit, increasing cases of asthma, lung infections, and heart disease.

Policy Gaps

Despite these dangers, environmental laws are weakly enforced. As The Nation (Mar 2024) noted, Karachi ranks among the top 10 most polluted cities worldwide, yet lacks a comprehensive clean air policy.

Way Forward

Promote electric buses and hybrid vehicles.
Enforce industrial emission standards.
Expand urban green belts and forests.
Launch public awareness campaigns on clean air.

Conclusion

Karachi’s air pollution crisis endangers millions. Without strict regulation and long-term strategy, the city’s environment — and public health — will continue to deteriorate.