Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) recording 156.
Lahore, battling severe smog, topped the global list with an AQI of 158, marking it as the most polluted city.
India's New Delhi ranked second with 124 PM, while Mumbai followed Karachi with 154 PM. According to the AQI, pollution levels between 151 and 200 are harmful, 201 to 300 are very harmful, and levels above 301 indicate dangerous pollution.
Karachi’s weather took a cooler turn with temperatures dropping to 17°C on Sunday morning. The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts moderate to strong winds from Balochistan, potentially bringing cooler nights and further temperature drops.
Meanwhile, in Lahore, public support for stricter pollution control is growing. A survey by the Punjab Environment Protection Department revealed that 82% of residents back stricter monitoring of pollution sources, including vehicles and factories.
Additionally, 63% praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s efforts to curb smog, while 88% demanded relocating factories from residential areas.
As air pollution worsens, cities like Karachi and Lahore face growing health risks, highlighting the urgent need for robust environmental policies.
