Karachi’s air pollution reached alarming levels on Monday, with several areas recording dangerously high AQI, intensifying the city’s public health crisis.
Data collected at 6:00 pm showed particulate matter (PM2.5) levels well above safe limits. Garden recorded the highest reading at 184, followed by Orangi Town at 171, both classified as “Unhealthy” for all residents.
Major residential areas, including Gulistan-e-Johar (167) and Gulshan-e-Iqbal (163), were also heavily affected, confirming that pollution has spread across the city.
The forecast predicts no relief for the coming week, with air quality expected to remain critically poor for at least the next three days.
Yasir Darya, director of the Climate Action Center in Karachi, said the city’s air is stagnant and heavily polluted due to a high number of petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles and dust from ongoing construction on main roads.
He warned that PM2.5 particles from fuel and construction dust pose serious health risks and advised residents, especially children and those with respiratory conditions, to wear face masks when outdoors.
Karachi Air Quality Index (AQI) Categories:
0–50: Good – Air is excellent, minimal or no health risk. No precautions needed.
51–100: Moderate – Air quality is acceptable, slight risk for unusually sensitive individuals. Limit prolonged outdoor activity if sensitive.
101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups – Sensitive individuals may experience health effects; the general population is unlikely to be affected. Limit extended outdoor exertion.
151–200: Unhealthy – Health effects can affect everyone; sensitive groups may experience serious symptoms. Reduce outdoor activity, especially for children and those with respiratory conditions.
201–300: Very Unhealthy – Emergency-level warnings; everyone may be affected. Avoid outdoor activity if possible.
300+: Hazardous – Extremely poor air quality posing a serious health risk for everyone. All outdoor activities should be avoided.
The Climate Action Center Karachi collaborated in producing this report.