Controlling Air Pollution: Pakistan's Practical Strategies

Pakistan's air pollution is among the worst in the world, causing havoc to public health and the economy. The country's environmental protection act and climate change act acknowledge the challenges of air pollution and climate change, but an integrated national strategy to tackle both issues is lacking. Pakistan's current air pollution control measures are insufficient to meet the country's air quality standards. However, stringent air pollution control measures, such as those outlined in the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 2023, could significantly improve the situation. This act aims to implement rules to mitigate and prevent air pollution in Punjab province by imposing restrictions on vehicle emissions, burning solid waste and crop residues, and operating plants that contribute to air pollution. In addition, Pakistan has implemented policies to promote the use of electric vehicles and improve fuel efficiency, and is working to reduce emissions from the energy sector and promote renewable energy sources.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources

Pakistan's energy sector has been a challenge for its economic development, with the country facing issues such as high fuel costs, dependence on imported energy, insufficient natural gas supplies, mounting debt, and outdated transmission systems. However, Pakistan is taking steps towards meeting its energy demands and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the government actively pursuing renewable energy investments.

The country has an abundance of sunlight, with an average of nine and a half hours daily, making solar power an attractive option. In 2013, the government introduced policies to encourage renewable energy development, and solar power has since seen a rapid rise. As of 2024, solar PV accounts for 13% of Pakistan's electricity, and the country aims for renewable electricity to make up 58% of its energy mix by 2030. This target is slightly below the global aim of 60% set out by the IEA Net Zero Emissions scenario. The Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy of Pakistan, initiated in 2019, aims for 20% of the country's generation capacity to come from renewable sources by 2025 and 30% by 2030.

The private sector has also played a significant role in the adoption of solar power in Pakistan. Rising fossil fuel prices and unreliable grid supply have driven industries and commercial organizations to turn to captive solar solutions. Additionally, declining solar panel prices have made renewable energy a more affordable option for many. This has resulted in a surge in domestic installations of rooftop photovoltaic panels in larger cities. Grid modernization is essential to effectively manage the growing integration of distributed renewable energy sources.

Wind power is another area where Pakistan is making progress. The Government of Pakistan has developed a wind power energy corridor along the southern coastal regions of Sindh and Baluchistan, with 36 private wind projects currently in operation, producing approximately 1845 MW of electricity. The government's renewable energy policy aims to generate 60% of the country's energy from renewable sources by 2030, providing opportunities for the wind energy market.

Pakistan's transition to renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing air pollution and improving the country's economic and environmental outlook. By investing in solar and wind power, Pakistan is taking steps towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

Reducing vehicle emissions

Pakistan has been facing the pressing challenge of carbon emissions and their impact on climate change. The transportation sector in Pakistan contributes substantially to carbon emissions, accounting for around 23% of the country's emissions in 2021. The growth in the number of vehicles on the road has led to increased emissions.

To address the issue of vehicle emissions, Pakistan has implemented several measures and initiatives:

Pakistan's Electric Vehicle Policy:

The Pakistan Electric Vehicle Policy, adopted in 2020, aims to achieve a significant shift in sales to electric vehicles by 2030. The government introduced tax cuts in July 2021 to incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles, making them more affordable for consumers. This policy measure encourages the use of low-carbon transport, reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels for transportation.

Upgrading to Cleaner Vehicle Technologies:

Pakistan has taken steps to upgrade its vehicle fleet to more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. In 2021, the country adopted Euro 5 emission standards for new vehicles, which significantly reduce vehicle emissions compared to older standards. This transition is part of the country's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), demonstrating its commitment to reducing air pollution.

Promoting Electric Motorcycles:

The Government of Punjab has initiated a scheme to provide electric motorcycles to students, replacing petrol-powered bikes. Over 8,000 e-motorcycles were distributed in the first phase, with plans to roll out 100,000 more in phase II. This initiative not only promotes a cleaner environment but also reduces the dependence on fossil fuels for transport, directly addressing air pollution caused by vehicle emissions.

Development of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure:

To support the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, Pakistan is developing the necessary infrastructure. The Government of Punjab has identified 50 locations in the province for electric vehicle charging stations. This infrastructure development will encourage the transition to electric vehicles and reduce range anxiety among potential electric vehicle owners.

Regulatory Framework for Vehicle Efficiency:

Prior to the recent amendments, Pakistan lacked a comprehensive regulatory framework to regulate vehicle efficiency and determine the operational and retirement age of vehicles. The Punjab Environmental Protection Act 2023 was revised to include rules prohibiting substandard fuels and banning smoke-emitting vehicles. These regulations aim to reduce smog and vehicle emissions, with strict fines for violations.

Monitoring and Enforcement:

The authorities in Pakistan are taking active measures to monitor and enforce vehicle emission standards. They are monitoring various highways and taking legal action against vehicles with exhaust emissions beyond the approved limits. This includes confiscating documents and impounding motor vehicles found violating the emission standards.

Improving water quality

Pakistan faces a daunting challenge in providing its citizens with clean drinking water. The quality of drinking water in Pakistan is rapidly deteriorating due to massive urbanization, industrialization, and a lack of proper sanitation services and sewage systems. The primary source of contamination is sewerage (fecal) extensively discharged into drinking water systems, with secondary sources being the disposal of toxic chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers from industrial and agricultural sources.

To improve water quality in Pakistan, the government has introduced the "National Water Quality Monitoring Program" to address issues related to water management, governance, and supply. The program has a network of 24 water quality laboratories working across Pakistan to improve the water quality system. The government has also been focusing on water treatment plants to filter sewage or wastewater, making it safe for drinking or other uses such as irrigation, washing, cleaning, and bathing.

One of the critical steps to improving water quality is to identify the sources of contamination. This can be achieved through comprehensive assessments and specialized evaluations of water sources. Community-based monitoring, which involves engaging local communities in assessing and monitoring surface and groundwater quality, is also an important method for drinking water quality assessment in Pakistan.

To address the contamination issues, protective measures and treatment technologies are necessary. This includes the development of water treatment facilities, secure water storage, and the implementation of new treatment processes and technologies. For example, the identification and treatment of microbial contamination, which is a major health hazard, can be effectively addressed with technology.

Additionally, raising awareness about water preservation and the use of technology for this purpose is essential. This includes educating communities about hygienic practices and the importance of safe drinking water. Furthermore, to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Pakistan needs to accelerate the improvement of water quality by investing in research and development and expediting the implementation of decentralized setups with the support of federal and provincial governments.

Reducing household air pollution

Pakistan has the third most polluted air in the world, and poor air quality poses significant economic and health challenges for the country. In 2016, Jaan Pakistan and Grand Challenges Canada partnered to introduce clean cookstoves to reduce black carbon emissions and household air pollution. This initiative has been identified as a high priority mitigation option by the Pakistani government, which intends to reduce up to 50% of projected emissions by 2030.

To reduce household air pollution, Pakistan could encourage the use of clean cooking fuels and technologies. Solid fuel use for cooking contributes to childhood pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death in the country. Clean cookstoves are an effective solution, and the government, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions have piloted their use on a small scale. In addition to clean cookstoves, fuel-efficient and low-emission stoves can also help reduce indoor air pollution.

Pakistan is a predominantly rural society, with 90% of the rural and 50% of the urban population depending on wood and other biomass fuels to meet their energy requirements. The promotion and provision of incentives for coal-bed methane capture, as well as prioritizing the importation of natural gas, LNG, and LPG over coal and oil, can help reduce household air pollution. Additionally, improving waste management practices and promoting better manure storage and management in the livestock industry can also contribute to cleaner air.

To further reduce household air pollution, Pakistan could develop and integrate walking and cycling infrastructures into urban areas, reducing the need for transport emissions. The Pakistan Electric Vehicle Policy, adopted in 2020, aims for a 30% shift in sales to electric vehicles by 2030, with tax cuts introduced in 2021 to incentivize this transition. Upgrading brick kilns to zig-zag technology will also significantly reduce air pollution, and all 7,896 traditional brick kilns in Punjab province have already been converted.

Implementing sustainable development strategies

Pakistan's air pollution problem is one of the worst in the world, with devastating effects on public health and the economy. The country's current air pollution control measures are insufficient to meet its air quality standards. Implementing sustainable development strategies is key to reducing air pollution and its impact on the country.

Pakistan's urban areas, particularly Punjab province, suffer from extremely poor air quality. A major source of harmful pollutants is vehicle emissions, due largely to a lack of regulation around vehicle retirement age and the enforcement of cleaner vehicle policies. In 2023, the Punjab Environmental Protection Act was revised to implement rules to mitigate and prevent air pollution in the province. The Act outlines restrictions on vehicle emissions, burning solid waste and crop residues, and operating plants that convert waste such as tires and plastics into products. The Regional Transport Authority has formed special squads to take action against vehicles emitting smoke, and the government has started a scheme to provide electric motorcycles to students. These measures are expected to reduce air pollution in the province.

Another significant source of air pollution in Pakistan is brick kilns. In 2021, the Ministry of Climate Change announced that all 7,896 traditional brick kilns in the Punjab province had been converted to zigzag technology, which is expected to significantly reduce air pollution. In 2018, the Environment Protection Department of Punjab announced that no new brick kilns would be permitted without zigzag technology.

Pakistan's National Climate Change Policy of 2012 includes measures to reduce emissions from the country's energy sector, including promoting coal-bed methane capture and prioritizing the importation of natural gas, LNG, and LPG over coal and oil. The Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy of Pakistan, initiated in 2019, directs 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. The Pakistan Electric Vehicle Policy, adopted in 2020, aims to achieve a 30% shift in sales to electric vehicles by 2030, with tax cuts introduced in 2021 to incentivize this transition.

In addition to these measures, Pakistan has also introduced clean cookstoves to reduce black carbon emissions and household air pollution. The country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) indicate an intention to reduce up to 50% of projected emissions by 2030, with 15% from the country's own resources and 35% from international grant finance. The updated NDCs include new areas of action such as short-lived climate pollutants and air pollution, with high-priority mitigation options including clean cookstoves, controlling methane emissions from rice production, upgrading brick kilns, transitioning to Euro-5 emission standards, and improving manure storage and management in the livestock industry.

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