Dusty roads and streets, particularly the under-construction University Road, are raising air pollution levels in Karachi with each passing day, causing lung and heart diseases among citizens, mostly children and elderly persons. The worst pollution is being created by the University Road passing through the centre of the city. It seems that the relevant authorities and contractors are slumbering as if they have no responsibility to complete the construction work of this road within stipulated time. Thousands of students travelling on the University of Karachi, NED University of Engineering and Technology, and other educational institions are also worst hit.

According to a PPI investigative report, the project was being delayed, with no completion in sight in recent future. The inordinate delay in construction work for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project of this road haunts citizens while commuting. There are also many dilapidated roads and streets in other parts of the city, which causes dust and smoke clouds in the air. The worst affected are people residing along dusty roads and streets. Furthermore, the dust and smoke generated by traffic jams spread across the city, raising pollution levels.

The service roads and nearby streets of the University Road are also in dilapidated condition due to the slow pace of construction work. The dust particles’ emission from the under construction roads due to traffic flow and wind causes asthma problems among sensitive people, including children and elderly persons. Inhalation of dust is also causing inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to bronchitis, characterized by coughing and mucus production.

According to Swiss air quality monitor IQAir, Karachi’s Air Quality Index value in December rose to 237, which is a very unhealthy level. It also found that the city’s concentration of toxic PM2.5 pollutants was at 162 µg/m³, which is 32.4 times higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

According to a government report, children are susceptible to air pollutants, which can have lifetime

consequences in terms of diseases, disability, cognitive impairment, and death. Karachi’s PM2.5 concentration levels pose a severe health hazard.

Aga Khan University’s recent research found dangerous amounts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which are tiny particles that can be easily inhaled and affect health. The air also contained high levels of sulfate, ammonium, nitrate, and black carbon, which are widespread across the city and contribute to poor air quality. The study measured levels of PM2.5 constituents at Karachi’s two busy sites; Korangi and Tibet Center on M.A. Jinnah Road, the AKU study added.

Professor Zafar Fatmi, Section Head of Environmental, Occupational Health and Climate Change, Department of Community Health Sciences at Aga Khan University said, ‘PM2.5, known to pose the highest risk to human respiratory systems, is emitted in large quantities from anthropogenic activities, and has been proven to contribute to cases of chronic bronchitis, lung infections, and the worsening of pre-existing respiratory diseases across the study sites. It is high time we treat air pollution as a crisis and adopt measures to curb the increasing levels of PM2.5 in our environment.’

According to various studies, long-term exposure to dust, especially in occupational settings, is leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Dust also causes nasal inflammation, leading to sneezing, runny nose, and itching, commonly known as hay fever. Dust mites trigger allergic reactions, resulting in sneezing, itching, and respiratory discomfort. Dust particles are irritating the eyes, causing redness, itching, and tearing. They also lead to skin irritation or exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema.

Furthermore, traffic jams due to narrow road sides and digging material also cause clouds of smoke along the areas of under construction dual ways, leading to the emergence of diseases among citizens that include respiratory diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, lung cancer, mouth and throat cancer, eye and skin irritation, developmental issues in children, low birth weight and premature birth, sudden infant death syndrome, reduced immune function, and chronic inflammation.

The rapid increase in the number of vehicles, many of which are poorly maintained and run on low-quality fuel, contributes significantly to air pollution. Lack of efficient public transportation systems forces reliance on private and commercial vehicles, increasing emissions. Karachi hosts numerous industries, including textiles, chemicals, and steel, which release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the air. Many industries do not comply with environmental regulations, leading to uncontrolled emissions.

Construction and infrastructure development produce large amounts of dust and particulate matter. Poorly managed construction sites contribute to air pollution, especially in urban areas. The burning of municipal waste, including plastics and other non-biodegradable materials, releases toxic gases like carbon monoxide (CO) and dioxins. Open burning is a common waste management practice due to inadequate waste disposal systems.

Karachi relies on power plants that burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, emitting large quantities of CO2 and other pollutants. Intermittent power outages lead to the widespread use of diesel generators, which further degrade air quality. Karachi’s port activities, including the movement of ships and handling of goods, contribute to air pollution through emissions from ships and port equipment. The use of heavy fuel oil in shipping releases sulfur and other pollutants. Karachi’s geographical location and climatic conditions, such as sea breeze, can exacerbate the dispersion of pollutants, worsening air quality.

Occasional dust storms also contribute to the particulate matter in the air. Efforts to reduce air pollution in Karachi need to address these causes through improved regulation, better urban planning, and the promotion of cleaner technologies. There is a dire need to rid the citizens of rising pollution levels mostly caused by dust flying across the city. It is also mandatory to complete the works on roads and streets within stipulated time to have mercy on citizens’ health and safety as Pakistan needs healthy population.