PESHAWAR: The air pollution in the provincial capital was recorded as unhealthy and alarming as the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city reached 265 on Wednesday.

Anwar Khan, Director General Environmental Protection Agency, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said on Nov 26, AQI in Peshawar touched the record dangerous level of 285. He added an AQI above 151 was considered unhealthy, while above 301 was hazardous for breathing.

He said there were many reasons for increasing air pollution, including the release of fumes and smoke from marble factories and other industries, brick kilns, smoke-emitting vehicles, especially outdated school buses, public transport, rickshaws and taxis.

Mr Anwar said about 400,000 vehicles ran on roads of Peshawar daily, adding citizens should take precautionary measures, including avoiding outdoor exercise, keeping windows closed at homes and offices, wearing masks outdoors and using air purifiers in rooms.

He said the high level of AQI increased respiratory diseases, besides contributing to chest, skin, eyes and lung diseases.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2023