Karachi, Lahore ranked among worlds most polluted cities

KARACHI: Pakistan’s two largest cities, Karachi and Lahore, have ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, with Karachi securing the second spot and Lahore the third.

This alarming development comes as the winter season approaches, exacerbating pollution levels in both cities. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Karachi has a reading of 198, while Lahore has an AQI reading of 192.

In contrast, the Indian capital New Delhi tops the list with an AQI reading of 252. Experts warn that an AQI reading between 151-200 is considered unhealthy, while readings between 201-300 are more harmful, and those above 300 are extremely hazardous.

The impending winter season is expected to worsen air quality, as colder air becomes heavier, trapping poisonous particles in the atmosphere and pushing them downwards.

The primary contributors to this pollution are factory emissions, garbage burning, and the combustion of coal, oil, and tires. These harmful particles, including large amounts of carbon and smoke, form a toxic layer over affected areas.

In Karachi, southwestern winds blowing from the sea typically act as a natural air filter. However, these winds are largely suspended during the winter months, allowing pollution to accumulate.