Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and the12th largest city in the world is facing a significant air pollution problem.[1] The air quality of Karachi has been deteriorating over the years, with pollution levels often exceeding safe limits set by theWorld Health Organization (WHO).[2]
A 2025 analysis byClimate TRACE of the urban areas with the most people exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution identified Karachi as the largest.[3]
Karachi'sair quality index (AQI) has risen to an unhealthy level of 193, making it the fourth most polluted city in the world.[2] The city's AQI is often among the highest globally, indicating severe levels of air pollution.[4]
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) plays a major role in air pollution in Karachi. The concentration of PM2.5 in the city has been recorded as 11.8 times higher than WHO's annual air quality guideline value.[2] The 24-hour average PM2.5 inKorangi was 101 ± 45.6 μg/m3 and 76.5 ± 38.4 μg/m3 in Tibet Center. These levels are significantly higher during winter, suggesting increased combustion activity and reduced wind dispersion.[5]
Major sources of air pollution in Karachi include transport and industrial emissions, waste burning, generators, emissions from refrigerators, dust blowing and stoves used in homes and hotels.[2] 70% of the air pollution in Karachi is emitted by motor vehicles.[6]
Thetwo-stroke engine onrickshaws and motorcycles are one of the major polluters of air inKarachi and rest ofPakistan. The two-stroke engines, as well as defective or poorly maintained vehicles, are major polluters by producingcarbon dioxide emissions. Two-stroke engines as well as defective vehicles using substandardlubricant are major emitters ofsulfur dioxide and smoke. Automobiles operating oncompressed natural gas andliquefied petroleum gas are major air polluters.[7]
Karachi's environment has been badly affected by air pollution. All types of forests along Sindh's coastline, includingmangroves, which used to help absorb carbon dioxide and clean air in Karachi, have dwindled to alarming levels. Over the past 50 years, Karachi has lost 10,000 hectares of mangrove forests to encroachment, commercialization and infrastructure development.[8]
Despite the alarming situation, the claims of the federal andgovernment of Sindhs to invest heavily in the city to improve the environment and public health are nothing but lies and misinformation.[9][10] In light of deteriorating air quality, Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (Rtd)Maqbool Baqar has appealed to the public to ensure the use of face masks.[11]