Meghan Hodges
Pakistan is facing a severe air pollution crisis, with Lahore, the country's second-largest city, repeatedly ranking as the world's most polluted city. In November 2024, Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQI) skyrocketed to an unusually high and hazardous level of 1,110, causing a health emergency and leading to the closure of schools and universities. The situation in other major cities, such as Karachi, is not much better. Pakistan's pollution 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. This seesaw pattern reflects the ongoing struggle against air pollution sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and agricultural burning. While the Pakistani government has taken some steps to address the issue, such as launching public transport projects and imposing a ban on crop burning, critics argue that more needs to be done to combat the crisis effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore in Nov 2024 | 1,110 |
| Tiny particulate matter (PM2.5) in Lahore in Nov 2024 | 632 μg/m³ |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore in Nov 2021 | 400 μg/m³ |
| Safe AQI value | Below 50 μg/m³ |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) in Faisalabad in Nov 2021 | 297.2 μg/m³ |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore in Nov 2021 | 271.8 μg/m³ |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) in Gujranwala in Nov 2021 | 201.6 μg/m³ |
| PM2.5 concentration in 2018 | 74.3 |
| PM2.5 concentration in 2020 | 59 |
| PM2.5 concentration in 2022 | 70.9 |
| Population of Lahore | 14 million |
| Population of Punjab | 110 million |
| Number of cities in Punjab among the 50 most polluted cities in the world in 2020 | 5 |
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What You'll Learn
- Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, is one of the world's most polluted
- Fossil-fuel combustion from vehicles, power plants and factories is the primary source of air pollution
- Stubble burning by farmers in India and Pakistan contributes to smog
- Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, crop burning, and construction dust are all factors causing hazardous air quality
- Air pollution is linked to asthma, lung damage, bronchial infections, strokes, heart problems, and shortened life expectancy
Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, is one of the world's most polluted
Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, has been labelled the world's most polluted city. In November 2024, Lahore faced a hazardous health emergency due to unprecedented levels of toxic air pollution. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) score rose to 1165, more than 120 times the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The situation caused disruptions to flights, major road closures, and severe health issues for its citizens.
Lahore is located in Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province, with an estimated population of 110 million. The city's air pollution is caused by a combination of vehicle and industrial emissions, smoke from brick kilns, the burning of crop residue and general waste, and dust from construction sites. The cold winter air traps emissions, dust, and smoke from agricultural fires, contributing to the high levels of air pollution.
In recent years, Lahore's air pollution has steadily worsened, with the city ranking among the 50 most polluted cities globally in 2020. The city's fine particulate count has repeatedly risen to levels far above the WHO's air quality guidelines. Prolonged exposure to such hazardous air quality has severe health implications, including asthma, lung damage, bronchial infections, strokes, heart problems, and shortened life expectancy.
The Government of Punjab has implemented measures to tackle air pollution, including public transport projects and reforestation initiatives. However, these efforts have not been sufficient to curb the rapid rise in pollution levels. The slow reaction of decision-makers to the pollution problem has been criticised, with some officials blaming crop burning by Indian farmers as the main cause of Lahore's smog.
The high levels of air pollution in Lahore highlight the ongoing struggle against air pollution sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and agricultural burning. It is crucial for authorities to prioritise tackling air pollution and for individuals to take steps to reduce their personal emissions.
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Fossil-fuel combustion from vehicles, power plants and factories is the primary source of air pollution
Pakistan has been struggling with air pollution for decades. In recent years, the country has witnessed a sharp rise in air pollution, with cities like Lahore and Karachi becoming hotspots for hazardous air, impacting millions. In November 2021, Lahore was declared the most polluted city in the world, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 400 μg/m³, far above the safe limit of 50 μg/m³.
Fossil-fuel combustion from vehicles, power plants, and factories is the primary source of air pollution in Pakistan. The country's industrial sector, which includes textile, leather, chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, emits harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and smoke. These emissions, combined with other factors, have severe health impacts on the population.
Vehicle emissions significantly contribute to air pollution in Pakistan. The number of vehicles on the road has increased, and poor fuel quality exacerbates the problem. In Karachi, it is estimated that 24-28% of ambient PM2.5 concentrations come from road vehicles. The government has implemented policies like the National Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2019 to reduce pollution and oil imports, but the pace of implementation is often slow.
Power plants and factories also play a significant role in air pollution. The industrial sector is the second-largest contributor to Pakistan's GDP, and its growth has led to an increase in emissions. The type and quality of fuel used in these sectors influence the nature and quantity of pollutants released into the atmosphere.
In addition to the atmospheric emissions, water pollution is also a significant issue in Pakistan. Water contamination results from increasing salinity, improper disposal of untreated wastewater, agricultural runoff with pesticide and fertilizer residue, and natural contaminants. The volume of municipal solid waste (MSW) is growing due to increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization, and ineffective waste management further exacerbates the problem.
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Stubble burning by farmers in India and Pakistan contributes to smog
Pakistan's air quality has been described as "alarming", with the particulate count in Lahore rising to 40 times the World Health Organization's air quality guideline values. The country's minister for climate change blamed India for Pakistan's smog, while Pakistani citizens blame their government for not doing enough to combat the crisis.
Stubble burning by farmers in India and Pakistan has been identified as a significant contributor to the smog and air pollution in both countries. In India, farmers in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn an estimated 23 to 35 million tons of crop waste from their wheat and paddy fields every year. This practice has been cited as a major cause of air pollution in Delhi since 1980, with the smoke travelling as far as 250 km to the capital. In Pakistan, the government has acknowledged the problem and banned crop burning, imposing heavy fines on those who continue the practice. However, enforcement of the ban has been challenging, and the country continues to struggle with air pollution from agricultural burning, along with other sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and brick kilns.
The reasons for stubble burning by farmers include the low cost of straw disposal, the short turnaround time between harvesting and sowing, and the lack of affordable alternatives. In India, the government has offered alternative technologies such as the Happy Seeder machine, which removes paddy straw while sowing wheat for the next harvest. However, the machine is expensive, costing up to $15,000, and requires a tractor to operate. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute has also developed an enzyme bio-decomposer solution that can be sprayed after harvest to increase organic carbon in the soil, but some farmers have expressed concerns about the time required for its effectiveness.
The consequences of stubble burning are severe. It releases pollutants into the atmosphere, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), greenhouse gases, and other substances that damage the ozone layer. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, which has been linked to various health issues such as asthma, lung damage, respiratory infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The smoke from stubble burning can spread far and wide, depending on wind speed and direction, affecting not only the local areas but also neighbouring regions.
To address the problem of stubble burning and its impact on smog, governments in both India and Pakistan have implemented various measures. In addition to the alternative technologies offered in India, the Supreme Court ordered northern states in 2019 to provide a monetary reward of 2,400 rupees per acre to farmers who refrained from burning stubble. In Pakistan, the government has focused on reforestation as a top priority in its anti-smog campaign and has also invested in public transport projects to reduce traffic pollution. However, these efforts have not been sufficient to curb the rapid rise in smog and air pollution in the affected areas.
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Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, crop burning, and construction dust are all factors causing hazardous air quality
Pakistan's air quality has been described as "abysmal", with industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, crop burning, and construction dust all contributing to the problem.
Industrial emissions from fossil fuel use are a major factor in Pakistan's air pollution. In 2023, emissions from fossil fuels and industrial processes in Pakistan totalled nearly 200 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂). This figure has more than tripled since 1990, indicating a rapid increase in industrial emissions over the past three decades.
Vehicle exhaust is another significant contributor to air pollution in Pakistan, particularly in densely populated cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. The increasing number of vehicles on the road, combined with poor fuel quality, has led to high levels of emissions and deteriorated air quality. Efforts to reduce traffic pollution, such as the introduction of public transport projects, have been implemented but have not yet proven sufficient to combat the issue.
Crop burning is a common practice in Pakistan that has severe environmental consequences. Despite a ban and the imposition of heavy fines, crop burning continues to be a leading cause of air pollution in the country. The smoke from crop burning contributes to the formation of smog, which blankets major cities during the winter months.
Finally, construction dust is a significant source of air pollution in Pakistan. The construction processes, such as dry sweeping, grit blasting, and hand sanding, create a significant amount of dust and particulate matter that negatively impact air quality. While practices like water suppression are sometimes used to reduce dust, the lack of controls in place has led to construction sites becoming a major source of dust pollution, posing risks to both public health and the environment.
The combination of these factors has resulted in hazardous air quality in Pakistan, with cities like Lahore and Faisalabad consistently recording air pollution levels that far exceed safe limits.
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Air pollution is linked to asthma, lung damage, bronchial infections, strokes, heart problems, and shortened life expectancy
Pakistan is ranked the second most polluted country in the world, according to the 2023 World Air Quality Report. The air pollution in Pakistan is mainly caused by fossil fuel burning, which is exacerbated by climate change. The extent of particulate matter pollution is higher in industrial states, with a study indicating that the ambient air quality in Haripur city was at high risk due to the Hattar Industrial State. The air quality in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, three of the most populated cities in Pakistan, has frequently exceeded safe levels in recent years.
Air pollution is a public health emergency in Pakistan, with over 128,000 deaths attributed to air pollution-related illnesses. The fine particulate matter in the air, PM 2.5, is extremely harmful as it can get deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream, increasing the risk of asthma, lung damage, and bronchial infections. People with asthma are at greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases, which can irritate the airways and make asthma worse. Ozone, a common air pollutant, is particularly problematic for people with asthma as it irritates the lungs and airways. High levels of NO2 can also irritate the lining of airways, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.
The health effects of air pollution extend beyond respiratory issues, as it has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart problems and strokes. Evidence suggests that exposure to fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, can trigger cardiovascular disease-related heart attacks and contribute to the development of heart disease. This is particularly concerning for children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
In addition to the immediate health risks, air pollution also impacts life expectancy. According to a report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, air pollution decreased average life expectancy in Pakistan by 3.8 years, with a reduction of up to 7 years in the most polluted areas. On a global scale, air pollution reduced life expectancy by an average of 1 year and 8 months in 2019. Less-developed countries, including those in South Asia, are more severely impacted by the life expectancy reductions associated with air pollution.
The effects of air pollution on health and life expectancy in Pakistan are significant, and immediate steps are necessary to reduce particulate matter pollution and protect the health of the population.
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Frequently asked questions
Very bad. Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan, has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world. In November 2024, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore reached a hazardous 1,110, with particulate matter (PM2.5) reaching 632 micrograms per cubic meter of air. In 2018, the PM2.5 concentration in Pakistan peaked at 74.3, dipping to 59 in 2020, and climbing back to 70.9 in 2022.
Fossil-fuel combustion from vehicles, power plants, and factories is the primary source of air pollution in Pakistan. Other sources include industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, crop burning, construction dust, and brick kilns.
The Pakistani government has been criticised for not doing enough to combat the air pollution crisis. However, they have taken some steps to address the issue, including launching public transport projects to reduce traffic pollution, prioritising reforestation, banning crop burning, and imposing heavy fines on violators.
Air pollution has severe health impacts on the population, including increased rates of respiratory illnesses, asthma, lung damage, bronchial infections, strokes, heart problems, and shortened life expectancy. According to the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution, approximately 128,000 Pakistanis die annually due to air pollution-related illnesses.
