By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: MQM-P Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the Sindh Assembly, Taha Ahmed Khan, urged Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to take immediate action against Karachi’s deteriorating air quality, which has reached hazardous levels and poses serious health risks to millions.
In a letter, Khan cited data from Air Gradient’s Karachi Map and Linked Things AI, showing PM2.5 levels frequently exceeding 150 µg/m³—six times above the WHO safe limit of 25 µg/m³—and in some areas surpassing 200 µg/m³. He highlighted the risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly for low-income communities with limited healthcare access.
Khan called for a Clean Air and Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, recommending zoning restrictions on high-emission vehicles and industries, expansion of electric public transport, incentives for EV adoption, and urban greening to restore tree cover and mangrove belts.
Emphasizing sustainable, nature-based solutions over artificial air purifiers, he urged the Chief Minister to treat pollution as a public health emergency, highlighting MQM-P’s commitment to cleaner air and healthier urban living.
