Karachi’s Air Turns Hazardous as Dust Pollution Worsens

News Desk/APP

Karachi: Dust pollution is emerging as one of Pakistan’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges, with experts warning that deteriorating air quality is driving a surge in respiratory illnesses, particularly in major urban centres such as Karachi.

Consultant Pulmonologist Dr Rashid Ali Daudpota has warned that Karachi’s air quality has reached an alarming level, posing a serious and growing threat to public health.

Speaking to a local media outlet on Saturday, he said nearly 70 percent of the city’s air is now affected by pollution, exposing millions of residents to harmful airborne particles every day.

Pakistan has long struggled with worsening air pollution caused by rapid urbanization, industrial emissions, traffic congestion, construction activities and shrinking green spaces.

While smog dominates headlines during winter in Punjab, experts say dust pollution remains a year-round concern in Karachi due to dry weather, unpaved roads, heavy construction and vehicle emissions.

Dr Daudpota said increasing dust levels and toxic pollutants are contributing to a sharp rise in asthma, chronic breathing problems and other lung diseases. He warned that children, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to prolonged exposure to polluted air.

He stressed that the growing environmental crisis requires urgent and sustained action, calling for large-scale tree plantation campaigns to improve air quality.

He also recommended adopting modern urban greening measures, including vertical gardens on buildings, rooftop plantations and indoor green spaces to help reduce pollution in densely populated areas.

The pulmonologist further urged policymakers to accelerate the transition towards electric vehicles to curb harmful emissions and improve long-term environmental sustainability.

Advising the public to take preventive measures, Dr Daudpota recommended early morning walks in relatively cleaner air where possible, minimizing exposure to dust, and using protective masks during periods of high pollution.

He also called on the government to implement immediate and effective policies to address rising pollution levels and protect public health in Karachi.