ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi on Monday ranked first among the top ten major cities around the world with maximum pollution, according to the US Air Quality Index whose results are shared by Switzerland-based IQAir company.
Karachi is the largest and most densely populated city of the country.
Despite being the commercial hub of Pakistan, the residents of the city frequently complain about unresolved civic issues which have also placed Karachi on the list of least livable places in the world.
According to the Swiss company, PM2.5 is the main pollutant responsible for the current state of environment in the city.
“PM2.5 concentration in Karachi is currently 7.6 times the [World Health Organization’s] annual air quality guideline value,” IQAir said on its website.
It said that sensitive groups should wear face masks, run air purifiers and reduce outdoor activities to protect themselves against environmental hazards.
“Observing the data from years past, it appears that pollution levels in Karachi are actually getting worse rather than improving,” it added.
The air quality index also showed Lahore on number five in the list.
The eastern Pakistani city is described as the cultural capital of the country which frequently faces smog in winter as farmers burn off stubble before planting their next crop.
Other cities on the index include Portland and Seattle in the US, Sarajavo in Bosnia Herzegovena and Johannasburg in South Africa.
