Air pollution in Karachi is leading to severe respiratory health issues among its residents, particularly affecting men, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing pulmonary conditions. This alarming finding stems from a recent study conducted by the Aga Khan University. The research focused on the urban population of Pakistan, revealing shockingly high levels of harmful particles in Karachi’s air. It identified dangerous amounts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—tiny particles that can be easily inhaled and pose significant health risks.
In addition to PM2.5, the air in Karachi also contained elevated levels of sulfate, ammonium, nitrate, and black carbon, all of which contribute to the city’s deteriorating air quality. The study measured PM2.5 levels at two of Karachi’s busiest locations: Korangi and Tibet Center on M.A. Jinnah Road.
During this period, data were also collected from Karachi’s three major hospitals—the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), and the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)—to assess hospital visits related to respiratory health issues.
The findings indicated that the average PM2.5 levels in Karachi rank among the highest compared to cities in both developed and developing nations, significantly exceeding the guideline values established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Discussing the implications of the study, Professor Zafar Fatmi, Section Head of Environmental, Occupational Health & Climate Change in the Department of Community Health Sciences at Aga Khan University, stated, “PM2.5 poses the highest risk to human respiratory systems, being emitted in large quantities from anthropogenic activities. It contributes to chronic bronchitis, lung infections, and the exacerbation of existing respiratory diseases across the study sites.
