On Friday morning, Karachi’s air quality sharply deteriorated as cooler temperatures trapped pollutants close to the ground, causing the city to rank as the fourth most polluted in the world. The air quality index (AQI) in Karachi reached a “very unhealthy” level of 220, with PM2.5 concentrations 25.8 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual guidelines.
Lahore continued to top the global pollution rankings, with an AQI of 732 and PM2.5 levels 88.4 times above WHO recommendations. Multan, meanwhile, recorded the highest AQI in Pakistan at 810, with PM2.5 levels 96.2 times higher than the WHO threshold.
The severe smog disrupted visibility in Lahore and nearby areas, leading to the closure of major motorways, including the M-2, M-3, M-4, and M-5, affecting travel throughout Punjab and parts of Sindh. Faisalabad registered an AQI of 497, with residents reporting eye irritation and breathing issues, while a road accident in Gujranwala, caused by poor visibility, injured seven people.
The toxic air, driven by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and crop burning, has led to significant health and livelihood challenges for millions in Punjab. Authorities have partially attributed the pollution to cross-border emissions from India and are considering diplomatic measures to address the issue.
This seasonal crisis underscores the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to combat air pollution in South Asia, where winter conditions often worsen smog due to trapped emissions and agricultural fires.
