Lahore Ranked Second, Karachi Fourth Among World’s Most Polluted Cities
Lahore, Pakistan – Pakistan’s air pollution crisis has reached alarming levels, with Lahore ranked as the second most polluted city and Karachi securing the fourth spot in global air quality rankings. According to a Swiss air quality monitoring group, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit an alarming 404 on Tuesday, while Karachi recorded an AQI of 207, placing it among the world’s most polluted urban centres.
The global list was topped by New Delhi, followed by Lahore, Cairo, and then Karachi. By 11:00 am on Tuesday, Lahore’s hazardous air quality stood as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing Pakistan.
Vehicular Emissions: Karachi’s Leading Pollutant
Yasir Hussain, head of the Climate Action Centre, highlighted that 60-70% of Karachi’s air pollution is caused by vehicular emissions. He attributed much of this to the widespread use of motorcycles, necessitated by the city’s inadequate public transportation system.
“Motorcycles alone have consumed $15 billion worth of petrol in the past five years, contributing to 69% of fuel-related pollution,” Hussain noted in a local report.
Health Crisis Looming
Environmental researchers warn of dire health consequences, with air pollution slashing life expectancy by nearly four years. Pakistan witnesses over 100,000 deaths annually due to pollution-related illnesses, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Globally, pollution claims seven million lives every year.
The smog season in Pakistan has also arrived earlier this year, starting in late October, and temporary measures like Punjab’s “Green Lockdown” have proven ineffective in addressing the crisis.
Call for Sustainable Reforms
Experts are calling for bold interventions, such as implementing no-vehicle zones, transitioning to electric vehicles, and improving public transportation systems. Pakistan’s reliance on fossil fuels exacerbates the crisis, with the country importing $73 billion worth of petroleum products over the last five years.
Political Leadership Speaks Out
Earlier this month, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari used his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the severity of the issue. Sharing AQI data from across the nation, Bilawal remarked, “Dear Pakistan, move to Karachi,” referencing relatively better air quality in the city compared to smog-hit regions of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
Urgent Action Needed
As Karachi struggles with its deteriorating air quality, experts and policymakers stress the need for urgent and sustainable reforms to protect both public health and the environment. Without decisive action, millions of Pakistanis will continue to face the devastating consequences of unchecked air pollution.
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