The air quality and noise levels of Karachi improved by up to 40 per cent during the Covid-19 lockdown, according to a press release issued by the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa).

According to data collected in April from different locations in six districts across the city, the average particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) — the most lethal and stubborn air pollutant — improved by up to 40pc as compared to the same data taken in February, before the lockdown.

Commenting on the statistics, Sindh Environmental Secretary Khan Muhammad Mahar said that the reduction in air and noise pollution during the lockdown is an "eye-opener" for the residents of the city.

He added, however, that a lockdown is not the solution and the objective of the officials is to find a balance to ensure that "commercial activities aren't hit for the improvement of the environment".