Air pollution has reached critical levels in Karachi, with the city’s air quality index (AQI) recorded at 207 on Tuesday, making it the fourth most polluted city in the world.

According to the global ranking, only New Delhi, Lahore and Cairo reported worse air quality.

As of 11 a.m., Lahore was ranked the second most polluted city in terms of air quality in the Swiss group’s live ranking, with an air quality index of 404.

Yasir Hussain, director of the Climate Action Center, attributed 60 to 70 percent of Karachi’s air pollution to vehicle emissions, according to a local newspaper report.

The widespread use of motorcycles, due to inadequate public transport, contributes significantly, the report says.

It further revealed that motorcycles alone consumed $15 billion worth of gasoline over the past five years, accounting for 69 percent of the pollution caused by fuel consumption.

Environmental researchers have highlighted the disastrous impact of such pollution on health, noting that it reduces life expectancy by almost four years on average.

Pakistan witnesses more than 100,000 pollution-related deaths every year, with the World Health Organization estimating that seven million deaths worldwide are due to environmental pollution each year.

Smog season arrived earlier than usual this year, starting in late October. Temporary measures such as the “green lockdown” in Punjab have proven insufficient.

Experts have called for sustainable interventions, including vehicle-free zones and improved public transport systems, to reduce emissions in urban centers like Karachi.

Pakistan’s dependence on fossil fuels is exacerbating the crisis, with the country importing $73 billion worth of petroleum products over the past five years.

Earlier this month, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged Pakistanis to settle in Karachi as parts of Punjab and KP faced severe smog.

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As Karachi battles deteriorating air quality, urgent reforms are needed to protect public health and the environment.