It is difficult to even breathe in Lahore and Karachi, who is responsible for this condition of Pakistan?
News Update January 03, 2025 07:24 AM

Pakistan Pollution: Major cities of Pakistan, Lahore and Karachi are facing severe air pollution these days, due to which it has become difficult for the citizens to even breathe. The air quality index (AQI) in both these cities has reached such a dangerous level that these cities have become among the most polluted cities in the world. According to reports, Lahore's AQI is 354, making the city the first in terms of pollution, while Karachi's AQI is 164, and this also shows a high level of pollution. The air quality of these two cities is not only causing environmental crisis but is also seriously affecting the health of the people.

According to the Express Tribune report, Lahore's population of more than 11 million has been facing bad air for years, and now the problem is becoming worse. Air quality worsens further in winter, making respiratory problems such as asthma and lung diseases common.

Main causes of pollution in Lahore and Karachi

There are many reasons behind the deterioration of air quality in Lahore and Karachi, the main reasons being smoke emanating from vehicles and industrial areas and burning of crops. Especially in winter, when the air is cold, the pollution level increases further. In Lahore, smoke emanating from vehicles and industries is responsible for 80 percent of the pollution, while in Karachi this figure reaches 60 percent. Apart from this, smoke emanating from burning crops in agricultural areas also has a deep impact on pollution.

Increasing threats to health

Due to air pollution, the health crisis is also deepening in Lahore and Karachi. Last month, around 18,86,586 people fell ill due to smog, of which 1,29,229 were admitted to hospitals for respiratory problems. Complaints of respiratory diseases, chest pain and stroke are increasing daily. According to reports, cardiothoracic problems have also been seen in about 61,00,153 people. This situation has raised concerns for health experts, as air pollution can pose a threat, especially to people with pre-existing health conditions.

Measles risk and precautions

At the same time, the risk of measles has also increased during the winter season in Pakistan, posing more danger to children and vulnerable persons. Symptoms of measles include runny nose, fever, cough, red eyes and skin rashes. Malnourished children in particular are more susceptible to this infectious disease. To protect children from measles, doctors have advised that they should be vaccinated between the age of nine months to one and a half years, so that the spread of this disease can be prevented.

Need to reduce pollution

Yasir Hussain, director of Climate Action Center (CAC), a non-governmental organization to Pakistan's environment, said, "The main causes of pollution in Karachi and Lahore are smoke emitted from petrol and diesel vehicles. Greenhouse gases and particulate matter emitted from these vehicles are greatly affecting the air quality of these two cities." According to Yasir Hussain, if governments and citizens do not pay attention to these reasons together, then pollution may increase further, which can create a serious health crisis.

continuously deteriorating air quality

Although some efforts are being made to reduce pollution, the air quality of Karachi and Lahore is continuously deteriorating. If concrete steps are not taken in time, this situation may become more dire. This crisis can be tackled by adopting measures like meaningful action against pollution, improving public transport, and moving towards clean energy.

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