Lahore and Karachi Among World’s Most Polluted Cities

Lahore and Karachi have been ranked the 2nd and 4th most polluted cities globally, reflecting Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with environmental challenges. This alarming status comes from a recent air quality analysis, which showed dangerously high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), far exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The rankings highlight the pressing need for immediate government intervention to mitigate pollution levels.

In Lahore, the worsening smog season has been linked to factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and agricultural residue burning. Karachi faces similar challenges, compounded by unregulated industrial zones and insufficient urban planning. These issues not only harm public health, leading to respiratory illnesses and other diseases, but also impact economic productivity.

Environmental activists in Pakistan have called for urgent reforms, including stricter regulations on emissions, urban afforestation projects, and public awareness campaigns. Addressing these issues could significantly improve quality of life in these major cities.