Karachi records third-worst air quality, behind Lahore and New Delhi

Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, is experiencing extremely hazardous air quality today. According to the Air Quality Index, Karachi ranks third among the most polluted cities in the world on December 2.

The air pollution level in Karachi has been recorded at 192 particulate matter (PM).Lahore tops the list of the most polluted cities, with air pollution recorded at 287 particulate matter.

New Delhi, the capital of India, is ranked second with 254 particulate matter pollution, while Mumbai is ranked fourth with 174 particulate matter pollution.

Photo: IQ Air

According to the Air Quality Index, pollution levels between 151 and 200 are considered harmful, levels between 201 and 300 are considered very harmful, and levels above 301 indicate dangerous pollution.

Karachi has begun to feel the chill as temperatures have dropped significantly, with the minimum temperature falling by 17°C on Sunday morning.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Early Warning Center, the city will be affected by cool winds from the Balochistan region, bringing cooler nights and moderate temperatures.

The forecast suggests that by Tuesday, Karachi may experience stronger-than-usual winds, leading to a further drop in temperatures. During this period, the minimum temperature could dip to 17°C, with the maximum temperature ranging from 29°C to 31°C.

The cooler temperatures and moderate winds are expected to continue for the next few days, providing respite from the warmer conditions.

Youth stress strict smog monitoring

As many as 82 per cent of young residents of Lahore support a strict monitoring system to check air pollution caused by vehicles, factories and other sectors, a survey has revealed.

The survey report shared by the Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department showed that 63 per cent people find Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's performance better as compared to previous governments to curb smog in the province.

According to the report, 44% of the respondents said smog was caused by vehicles and 88% demanded that factories should be shifted from residential areas to reduce air pollution.

A spokesman for the environment protection and climate change department said the survey had been conducted by the Earth People Global, a private environmental research organisation to gauge public opinion about smog and air pollution.

The team sought views from 1,500 young male and female residents of Lahore in connection with the various factors causing smog and air pollution.

The respondents called for a comprehensive monitoring system for local factories and substandard vehicles, terming them the top reason of air pollution in the city.

The findings of the survey showed that the spread of smog depends on government and public actions as well as the direction and flow of wind.