Brian Barton
Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan and the 12th largest in the world, is facing a significant air pollution problem. With a population of nearly 15 million, a high level of industry, and a large number of vehicles, Karachi suffers from pollution-related issues. Major sources of air pollution include transport and industrial emissions, waste burning, generators, and emissions from refrigerators. 70% of the city's air pollution is emitted by motor vehicles, with many older vehicles producing unsafe levels of pollution due to factors such as vehicle age and fuel type. The air quality in Karachi has been deteriorating over the years, with pollution levels often exceeding safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 15 million |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 91 (Moderate) as of March 5, 2025 |
| Worst AQI in the last 24 hours | 152 (Unhealthy) on March 4, 2025 |
| Best AQI in the last 24 hours | 83 (Moderate) on March 5, 2025 |
| PM2.5 reading in 2019 | 40.2 μg/m³ |
| Worst month for pollution in 2019 | January, with a PM2.5 reading of 86.7 μg/m³ |
| Cleanest month in 2019 | May, with a PM2.5 reading of 16.1 μg/m³ |
| Major sources of air pollution | Transport, industrial emissions, waste burning, generators, emissions from refrigerators, dust blowing, and stoves used in homes and hotels |
| Percentage of air pollution from motor vehicles | 70% |
| Air pollution impact | Loss of 10,000 hectares of mangrove forests in the last 50 years |
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What You'll Learn
Transport and industrial emissions
Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan and the 12th largest in the world, is facing a significant air pollution problem. The air quality of Karachi has been deteriorating over the years, with pollution levels often exceeding the safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Transport and industrial emissions are the major polluters in Karachi, followed by waste burning, emissions from refrigerators, generators, dust blowing, and stoves used in homes and hotels.
Motor vehicles are responsible for 70% of the air pollution in Karachi. Many of the vehicles on the roads are far below the safe level of pollution output due to factors such as vehicle age and the type of fuel used. A large number of vehicles in Karachi still run on diesel fuel, which causes elevated levels of pollution in the exhaust fumes. The dense population of the city, with nearly 15 million inhabitants, contributes to the high number of vehicles on the roads.
The industrial activities in Karachi have also had a severe impact on the air quality. A study conducted from 2020 to 2022 in four major industrial zones of Karachi found high levels of outdoor air pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrates, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). The textile, chemical, glass, pharmaceutical, plastic, and food industries are among the major contributors to industrial emissions in the city.
To improve Karachi's air quality, initiatives such as fining over-polluting factories and removing old vehicles from the roads should be implemented. The removal of ancient vehicles and the transition to cleaner fuel sources could significantly reduce pollution levels and improve the health and environment of Karachi's residents.
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Waste burning and generators
Karachi, Pakistan, is the 12th largest city in the world and has a population of nearly 15 million. The city has a significant air pollution problem, with pollution levels often exceeding the safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2022, it was ranked as the fourth most polluted city in the world.
Generators are also a significant source of air pollution in Karachi. Many generators used in the city are powered by diesel fuel, which produces elevated levels of pollution in the exhaust fumes. In addition to diesel generators, other power generation sources contribute to air pollution, including industrial chimneys and power plants.
To improve the air quality in Karachi, initiatives are needed to reduce waste burning and generator usage. This could include the implementation of fines for open burning offenders, the promotion of waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and the transition to cleaner energy sources for power generation.
The situation in Karachi is complex and multi-faceted, and addressing the pollution issues will require a range of strategies and the cooperation of various stakeholders, including the government, industries, and individual citizens.
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Air pollution and health
Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan and the 12th largest city in the world, is facing a significant air pollution problem. The air quality of Karachi has been deteriorating over the years, with pollution levels often exceeding safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The city's air quality index (AQI) has risen to unhealthy levels, indicating severe air pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) plays a major role in Karachi's air pollution. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, making it extremely damaging to human health when inhaled.
The major sources of air pollution in Karachi include transport and industrial emissions, waste burning, generators, emissions from refrigerators, dust blowing, and stoves used in homes and hotels. 70% of the city's air pollution is emitted by motor vehicles, many of which are old and run on diesel fuel, causing elevated levels of pollution in the exhaust fumes. The high population of Karachi, with nearly 15 million inhabitants, contributes to the high number of vehicles on the roads. Additionally, the loss of mangrove forests along Sindh's coastline has further exacerbated the problem, as these forests used to help absorb carbon dioxide and clean the air in Karachi.
The health impacts of air pollution in Karachi are significant. PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. It can also aggravate existing heart and lung conditions and increase the risk of cancer. Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions, are especially at risk of adverse health effects from air pollution.
To protect public health, initiatives to reduce pollution levels in Karachi are necessary. This includes enforcing fines for over-polluting factories, home businesses, and open burning offenders, as well as removing old vehicles from the roads and transitioning to cleaner fuel sources. Improving air quality in Karachi will not only benefit the health of its citizens but also contribute to a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future.
The Karachi Air Quality Index (AQI) provides real-time, historical, and forecast data on PM2.5 levels and overall air quality. As of June 12, 2025, Karachi's overall AQI was 151, with the PM2.5 AQI at an unhealthy level of 151. It is important for residents to stay informed about air quality levels and take appropriate measures to protect their health, such as limiting outdoor activities during periods of high air pollution.
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Seasonal variation in pollution levels
Karachi, Pakistan, is a priority site for air pollution research due to high emissions of air pollutants from vehicular traffic, industrial activities, and biomass burning, as well as rapid growth in population. As one of the largest cities in Pakistan and the 12th largest city in the world, Karachi is densely populated, with nearly 15 million inhabitants. The city's air quality has been deteriorating over the years, with pollution levels often exceeding safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Observing the data from 2019, pollution levels appear to be highest at the beginning and end of the year, a trait that is reflected in all Pakistani cities. April through June are the cleanest months, with PM2.5 numbers of 18.2 μg/m³ in April, 16.1 μg/m³ in May, and 18.1 μg/m³ in June. After this, levels of PM2.5 rose gradually, indicating an increase in smog, haze, and smoke in the atmosphere. October saw a notable increase to 44.9 μg/m³, followed by 67.1 μg/m³ in November and 75.9 μg/m³ in December. The month with the worst levels of pollution was January, with a reading of 86.7 μg/m³, which is considered 'unhealthy' for the entire population to breathe.
The seasonal variation in pollution levels is also evident in the concentration of gaseous pollutants. Daily maximum concentrations of NO (90 parts per billion by volume (ppbv)), NO2 (28.1 ppbv), O3 (57.8 ppbv), and SO2 (331 ppbv) were recorded in the fall, while HNO3 (9129 parts per trillion by volume (pptv)) was recorded in spring. Seasonal average concentrations were highest in winter for NO, NO2, and O3, while HNO3 and SO2 were highest in spring and fall, respectively.
Noise pollution is another issue in Karachi, with levels exceeding the permissible limits in some zones outlined in the Pakistan National Environmental Quality Standards (Pak-NEQS' 2010). The seasonal variation in Leq showed that the noise level increased from winter to spring in 70% of areas, from spring to summer in 45% of areas, and followed similar patterns throughout the year. Temperature, humidity, and wind speed were the main factors influencing these seasonal variations, with traffic being the primary source of noise pollution.
Overall, Karachi faces significant pollution issues, particularly during the winter months, and urgent initiatives are needed to improve the city's environment and public health.
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Initiatives to reduce pollution
Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and the 12th largest in the world, is facing a significant air pollution problem. The air quality of Karachi has been deteriorating over the years, with pollution levels often exceeding safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Karachi's air quality index (AQI) has risen to an unhealthy level, and the city's AQI is often among the highest globally, indicating severe air pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major contributor to Karachi's air pollution, with concentrations 11.8 times higher than the WHO's annual guideline value.
To address these issues, several initiatives have been undertaken to reduce pollution in Karachi:
Fining Over-polluting Entities
One way to reduce pollution in Karachi is to impose fines on over-polluting factories, home businesses, and open-burning offenders. This initiative aims to reduce the emission of dangerous chemicals into the air and improve the overall air quality.
Removal of Ancient Vehicles
Karachi's densely populated nature contributes to a high number of vehicles on the roads, many of which are old and emit unsafe levels of pollution due to factors like vehicle age and fuel type. Removing these ancient vehicles from the roads and encouraging a shift to cleaner fuel sources, such as electric vehicles, can significantly reduce air pollution.
Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy
Pakistan's Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy, initiated in 2019, aims to increase the country's energy generation capacity from alternative and renewable sources. The policy sets targets of 20% by 2025 and 30% by 2030, helping reduce emissions from the energy sector.
National Clean Air Policy
Pakistan's National Clean Air Policy promotes the use of clean cooking fuels and technologies. One example is the introduction of clean cookstoves across the country, which has been supported by Jaan Pakistan and Grand Challenges Canada. This initiative aims to reduce black carbon emissions and household air pollution.
National Transport Policy
The National Transport Policy of Pakistan includes measures to cut the transport sector's climate and air pollutant emissions. This includes developing walking and cycling infrastructures and promoting electric and low-carbon transport options. The policy also led to the development of a fully segregated bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Karachi, operated with biomethane hybrid buses.
Pakistan Electric Vehicle Policy
Adopted in 2020, this policy aims to achieve a 30% shift in sales to electric vehicles by 2030, reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing transport-related emissions.
These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to improving air quality and reducing pollution in Karachi and Pakistan as a whole. By targeting major sources of pollution and implementing sustainable practices, these measures contribute to a healthier environment and improved public health outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and the 12th largest city in the world. While there are cities in Pakistan with more severe pollution levels, Karachi's air quality has been deteriorating over the years, with pollution levels often exceeding safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Major sources of air pollution in Karachi include transport and industrial emissions, waste burning, generators, emissions from refrigerators, dust blowing, and stoves used in homes and hotels. 70% of the air pollution in Karachi is emitted by motor vehicles.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that prolonged exposure to toxic air can trigger strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases.
Some initiatives that could help reduce pollution levels include fining over-polluting factories, removing ancient vehicles from the road, and moving to cleaner fuel sources.
