LAHORE – Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi was ranked the most polluted city in the world on Saturday, according to and air quality index.
The index released by the Switzerland-based IQAir company said the southern port city has an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 241. which is considered ‘very unhealthy’.
PM2.5 is the main pollutant responsible for the worsening environment situation in the southern port city.
It said the PM2.5 concentration in Karachi is currently 38.1 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.
Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab province, was ranked the second most polluted city in the world with AQI of 214.
With AQI 196, Indian capital city of New Delhi is the world’s third most polluted city.
Smart Lockdown in Punjab Districts
Pakistan's largest region Punjab has imposed temporary smart lockdown in the hope that the closure of commercial activities and limited movement will help reduce toxic levels of smog.
To cut the alarming levels of air pollution, the government has enforced smart lockdowns in ten districts as the Air Quality Index once again crossed 400. Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin are facing smart lockdowns.
Earlier, PDMA said all movement and economic activities will be limited in the 10 districts. Schools and Universities will also remain closed. Markets, gyms, and cinemas will be allowed to open after 3 pm.
Pakistan's north eastern region is facing pollution as long queues of passenger vehicles continue to block arteries in the cities.
People who suffer from respiratory disorders must take special precautions to keep themselves safe as the air quality index in Lahore and its adjoining areas is too high which is considered a health hazard.
Pakistani rupee saw marginal improvement against US dollar as it appreciated in the open bank market.
On Thursday, the US dollar moved up and was being quoted at 285.3 for buying and 288.15 for selling.
Euro moves down to 311 for buying and 314 for selling. British Pound rate stands at 358.5 for buying, and 361.5 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED stands at 78 whereas the Saudi Riyal rate stands at 76.20.
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
US Dollar | USD | 285.3 | 288.15 |
Euro | EUR | 311 | 314 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 358.5 | 361.5 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 78 | 78.7 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 76.2 | 77 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 187.2 | 189 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 759.67 | 767.67 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 209 | 211 |
China Yuan | CNY | 39.58 | 39.98 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 41.38 | 41.78 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 36.63 | 36.98 |
Indian Rupee | INR | 3.39 | 3.5 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 1.49 | 1.56 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 926.7 | 935.7 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 60.38 | 60.98 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 173.44 | 175.44 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 26.25 | 26.55 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 741.26 | 749.26 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 77.63 | 78.33 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 211 | 213 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 26.93 | 27.23 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 325.9 | 328.4 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 8.23 | 8.38 |
KARACHI – The gold price continues to climb up in the local market in line of upward trend in international market.
On Thursday, the single tola of 24 Karat gold was available at Rs218,600, and the price for 10-gram gold reached Rs187,420.
Meanwhile, the 22 Karat Gold price stands at Rs200,380, 21 karat rate for each tola is Rs191,275 and 18k gold rate hoveres around Rs163,950.
In international market, the price of precious metal hovers around $2,045 per ounce.
City | Gold | Silver |
Lahore | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Karachi | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Islamabad | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Peshawar | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Quetta | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Sialkot | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Attock | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Gujranwala | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Jehlum | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Multan | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Bahawalpur | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Gujrat | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Nawabshah | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Chakwal | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Hyderabad | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Nowshehra | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Sargodha | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Faisalabad | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Mirpur | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
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