Karachi’s first scientific emissions inventory report launched

KARACHI: Marking World Environment Day, Bank Alfalah, in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) and Karachi Urban Lab (KUL), a research facility at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), unveiled a report titled ‘Karachi Emissions Inventory -- A Scientific Foundation for a Clean Air City’.

The report is based on the results of 13 newly installed air quality monitors funded by Bank Alfalah, and offers the city’s most comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of air pollution sources.

Positioned across various high-density zones like Saddar, Korangi, Gadap, North Nazimabad and Clifton, the monitors measure PM2.5, SO2, NOX, and CO2, critical pollutants that affect urban health and quality of life. Based on international best practices and local data, the inventory sheds light on the root causes of Karachi’s air quality crisis. Key findings reveal that Karachi produced 394.82 kilo tonnes of emissions, with industry contributing 49 per cent and transport 33 per cent. Power generation, largely reliant on high-sulphur fuel, accounted for 30 per cent of sulphur dioxide emissions, while residential emissions were negligible due to Karachi’s warmer climate.

Despite the challenge, Karachi’s coastal location provides some respite with natural sea breeze circulation aiding pollutant dispersion, though background levels remain elevated due to marine salt and desert dust.

The report was launched at an event held at IBA on Tuesday, followed by a policy dialogue that urged cross-agency coordination, improved monitoring, public health alerts and green financing to transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable city.

“Karachi’s air quality crisis is local, not inevitable. Our report shows that with targeted, evidence-based interventions, especially in industrial regulation and transport policy, meaningful change is possible within five years,” added Founder of Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) Abid Qamar.

“Bank Alfalah is proud to support the scientific foundation needed to tackle urban air pollution and create a healthier environment for all,” said Head of Corporate Communication and CSR at Bank Alfalah Madiha Javed Qureshi. “As a responsible bank, we look forward to supporting causes that require attention. The banking sector also invests in innovative solutions for green financing to help accelerate the transition toward sustainability.”

The Karachi Emissions Inventory provides a crucial starting point for policymakers, urban planners, and civil society to collaborate on transformative solutions.As part of its broader commitment to a sustainable future, Bank Alfalah has pledged USD 10 million to support climate resilience and environmental well-being. Advancing this commitment, the bank also launched the GreenWayForward initiative in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan, through which 35,000 mangroves will be planted along the coastline of Pakistan in 2023 and 2024. This effort contributes to Bank Alfalah’s long-term pledge of planting 100,000 trees by 2030 in partnership with WWF-Pakistan, reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship.