Bronte Wells
Pakistan is facing a severe air pollution crisis, with Lahore, the country's second-largest city, repeatedly ranking as the most polluted city in the world. In November 2024, Lahore's air quality index (AQI) skyrocketed to 1,110, a level that is considered hazardous and can cause significant health issues. The situation is not limited to Lahore, as other Pakistani cities, such as Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Karachi, also struggle with poor air quality. The main sources of air pollution in Pakistan include industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, crop burning, construction dust, and brick kilns. The government has implemented measures to combat pollution, such as public transport projects and reforestation, but their efforts have been criticized as insufficient by Pakistani citizens. The country's pollution problem has led to reduced visibility, economic losses, and long-term health consequences, with an estimated 128,000 Pakistanis dying annually due to air pollution-related illnesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution ranking | 4th most polluted country in the world |
| Air pollution concentration (PM2.5) | 70.9 in 2022 |
| Air pollution concentration (PM10) | 64µg/m³ |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 94 (Moderate level) |
| Air pollution health impact | Shortens average life expectancy by 3.9 years |
| Air pollution health impact | Causes asthma, lung damage, bronchial infections, strokes, heart problems |
| Air pollution sources | Vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, agricultural burning, fossil-fuel combustion, crop burning, urbanization, poor fuel quality, deforestation |
| Most polluted cities | Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Peshawar, Nowshera |
| Pollution control measures | Public transport projects, reforestation, ban on crop burning, heavy fines for crop burning |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution in Lahore
Pakistan's air quality saga is marked by fluctuations, with the PM2.5 concentration peaking at 74.3 in 2018, dipping to 59 in 2020, and climbing back to 70.9 in 2022. Urban areas, notably Lahore and Karachi, are hotspots for hazardous air, impacting millions. Lahore, in particular, has repeatedly topped the daily ranking of the most polluted city in the world.
The Government of Punjab has taken some steps to counter the toxic effects of this air pollution. Public transport projects such as the Metro bus, Orange Line train, and Speedo bus have been launched in an effort to reduce traffic pollution. Reforestation is also a top priority in the current government's anti-smog campaign, and crop burning has been banned with heavy fines imposed on culprits. However, these efforts have not been sufficient to slow down the rapid rise in smog and air pollution.
Lahore's air quality worsened to 97.4 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic metre, making it the most polluted city globally. The air is considered safe to breathe only if the AQI is up to 50. According to recent IQAir reports (November 2021), Lahore's air quality data was 271.8 μg/m³, far exceeding the limit considered safe for humans.
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Causes of air pollution
Pakistan is the world's fourth most polluted country, with air pollution causing serious health issues for its residents. The leading causes of air pollution in Pakistan include:
Vehicle Emissions
The burning of fossil fuels by vehicles is a significant contributor to air pollution in Pakistan. Cities like Lahore, once known as the "city of gardens", now suffer from severe pollution caused by cars, motorbikes, trucks, buses, and aircraft. The situation is exacerbated by the use of outdated engines and low-quality fuel, resulting in high levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide in the air.
Industrial Discharges
Industrial growth and activities, particularly in urban centres, contribute to air pollution. This includes emissions from power plants, factories, and construction work. Pakistan's industrial states, such as the Hattar Industrial State, have been associated with high levels of particulate matter pollution.
Agricultural Burning
Crop burning and stubble burning by farmers are major sources of air pollution, especially during the winter months when colder temperatures lead to smog formation. This practice, combined with other sources of pollution, creates a toxic mix that blankets major cities in Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
Overpopulation and Urbanization
Pakistan's rapidly growing population, particularly in the province of Punjab, has led to increased urbanization and congestion. This, in turn, contributes to higher levels of vehicle emissions, construction dust, and overall air pollution.
Deforestation and Dust Storms
Deforestation, often caused by the demand for urban expansion and industrial activities, reduces the number of trees that can absorb pollutants. Additionally, regional dust storms can further worsen air quality, particularly in areas already affected by industrial emissions and heavy traffic.
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Health impact of air pollution
Pakistan's air quality is marked by fluctuations, with the PM2.5 concentration peaking at 74.3 in 2018, dipping to 59 in 2020, and climbing back to 70.9 in 2022. The primary sources of air pollution in Pakistan are fossil-fuel combustion from vehicles, power plants, and factories. The largest contributors are fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, coal- or oil-burning power plants, and factories.
The health impact of air pollution in Pakistan is significant. According to the World Bank, Pakistan's annual burden of disease due to outdoor air pollution accounts for 22,000 premature adult deaths and 163,432 DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) lost. Indoor air pollution is also a major issue, with an estimated 40 million cases of acute respiratory infections and 28,000 deaths per year. The high levels of air pollution in Pakistan have been linked to various health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, asthma, lung damage, bronchial infections, strokes, heart problems, and shortened life expectancy.
A study on Lahore smog from November 2016 revealed that the highest-concentration pollutant was NOx, with other pollutants including SO2, O3, CO, VOC, PM2.5, and PM10. The air quality index (AQI) was six times higher than the baseline, indicating extremely poor air quality. Out of 700 patients, 20% reported dry eyes, 13% reported irritation, and 80% had corneal diseases. Another study found that 38% of indoor inhabitants claimed headaches, while 15–23% of individuals suffered from coughing, sneezing, and eye irritation due to indoor air pollutant exposure.
The government of Punjab has taken some steps to counter the toxic effects of air pollution, including launching public transport projects to reduce traffic pollution and prioritizing reforestation in its anti-smog campaign. However, these efforts have not been sufficient to stop the rapid rise in smog and air pollution in the province.
The impact of air pollution on human health in Pakistan is a serious concern, and more effective policies and interventions are needed to reduce the health risks associated with air pollution in the country.
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Government action against pollution
Pakistan's air quality saga has been marked by fluctuations, with the PM2.5 concentration peaking at 74.3 in 2018, dipping to 59 in 2020, and climbing back to 70.9 in 2022. This seesaw pattern reflects the ongoing struggle against air pollution sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and agricultural burning. The government of Punjab has taken some steps to counter the toxic effects of this air pollution. Here are some of the actions taken by the Pakistani government to combat pollution:
- In 2021, Pakistan submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), indicating the intention to reduce up to 50% of projected emissions by 2030, with 15% from the country’s own resources and 35% subject to international grant finance.
- In 2021, the Ministry of Climate Change announced that all 7,896 traditional brick kilns in the Punjab province of Pakistan had been converted to zigzag technology, significantly reducing air pollution in the province.
- In 2019, the Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy of Pakistan directed the country’s energy sector to have 20% of its generation capacity from alternative and renewable sources by 2025 and 30% by 2030.
- In 2020, the Pakistani government announced a halt to the construction of new coal power plants in the country.
- In 2019, Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority approved the development of a 400 MW waste-to-energy power plant in Lahore, promoting renewable resources for power generation.
- In 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency of Pakistan published a gazette banning the manufacturing, wholesale trading, and importing of polythene bags in the Federal Capital to reduce plastic waste.
- The National Transport Policy of Pakistan, adopted in 2018, includes measures targeted at cutting the transport sector's climate and air pollutant emissions.
- In 2018, the government approved the National Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, targeting the conversion of 100,000 cars.
- In 2021, Pakistan joined the US- and EU-led Global Methane Pledge, committing to reducing global methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
- The government has launched public transport projects such as the Metro bus, Orange Line train, and Speedo bus to reduce traffic pollution.
- Reforestation is a top priority in the current government's anti-smog campaign, and crop burning has been banned with heavy fines imposed on culprits.
However, these efforts have not been sufficient to stop or slow down the rapid rise in smog and air pollution in Pakistan. The government's slow reaction to the pollution problem has been criticized, and there is a perception that not enough is being done to monitor or combat the crisis.
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Water pollution in Pakistan
Pakistan is facing a severe pollution crisis, with air pollution being the most discussed issue. However, water pollution is also a major threat to public health in the country.
The quality of drinking water in Pakistan is a significant concern, with about 80% of the population lacking access to safe drinking water. The main sources of water pollution in Pakistan are industrial, domestic, and agricultural activities. Municipal sewage and industrial wastewater are introduced at various points in the water distribution network, contaminating the water supply. This is further exacerbated by the lack of water disinfection and quality monitoring at treatment plants.
In addition to sewage, toxic chemicals from industrial effluents, pesticides, and fertilizers used in agriculture are also disposed of into water bodies, contaminating the water supply. This has led to the widespread presence of pathogens, including viral, bacterial, and protozoan agents, in the water supply. These pathogens are a major cause of waterborne diseases, with about 50% of diseases and 40% of deaths in Pakistan attributed to poor drinking water quality. Infant deaths caused by water-related diarrhea are the highest in Asia, at 60%.
The contamination of water due to microbes is a critical issue, especially in urban areas, where drinking water does not meet WHO standards. The intermixing of sewer lines with drinking water supply lines is a major contributor to microbial contamination. In rural areas, surface water is often used for drinking, and the lack of pretreatment facilities for filtration further exacerbates the problem.
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Frequently asked questions
Very bad. Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, has been ranked the most polluted city in the world. In November 2024, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore surged to over 1,000, with PM2.5 reaching 632 micrograms per cubic meter of air. The safe AQI value is considered to be below 50 μg/m³.
The air pollution in Pakistan is caused by a combination of factors, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, crop burning, construction dust, brick kilns, deforestation, and poor fuel quality.
The Pakistani government has taken some steps to counter the toxic effects of air pollution, including launching public transport projects to reduce traffic pollution and prioritizing reforestation. However, critics say that the government needs to do more and that their efforts have not been sufficient to slow down the rapid rise in air pollution.
Air pollution in Pakistan has been linked to various health complications, including respiratory illnesses, asthma, lung damage, bronchial infections, strokes, heart problems, and shortened life expectancy. According to the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution, 128,000 Pakistanis die annually due to air pollution-related illnesses.
