Severe Smog Blankets in Pakistan's Karachi as Cold Wave Intensifies

Islamabad: Karachi, the financial hub of Pakistan, is experiencing a temperature drop to as low as 9.5°C and struggling with poor air quality. The city's air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 199, which is considered "unhealthy" by Swiss air quality monitor IQAir.

According to reports, Pakistan's major cities, including Karachi and Lahore, are grappling with severe smog as a cold wave continues to grip the country.

The cold wave, causing temperatures to dip into single digits in many areas, has worsened the situation. Karachi, with winds at 8 km/h from the northwest and 41% humidity, recorded temperatures below 10°C for the second time this month. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted a 3°C to 4°C drop in southeastern Sindh, intensifying the already chilly conditions, according to reports.

Lahore, already struggling with persistent smog for weeks, has become the second most polluted city in the world, with an AQI of 303. This level is classified as "hazardous" by IQAir, highlighting the dangerous air quality. The severe air pollution in Lahore has caused major health concerns, with authorities urging residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor activities.

In other regions, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are also experiencing unusually low temperatures. In Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, temperatures plunged to -4°C, with other cities like Kalat and Turbat reporting similarly low readings.

The crisis hits Pakistan's most populous province every winter, but in recent years, air pollution has worsened due to cold air trapping dust, emissions from low-quality diesel, and smoke from illegal crop burning. The combination of smog, low temperatures, and high pollution levels presents significant health risks to residents, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to address the growing crisis.

Residents in major cities have been advised to take precautionary measures, especially to protect respiratory health, as the smog continues to envelop urban areas.

(with agency inputs)