Air Pollution In Pakistan: Understanding The Main Causes

Pakistan's air pollution levels have become a dire health emergency, with the World Air Quality report ranking it as the second most polluted country in 2018. The country's air quality is affected by various factors, including industrialisation, urbanisation, transportation, and solid fuel burning for basic needs. These sources of air pollution have severe health impacts, particularly on children, causing respiratory issues, childhood cancer, and affecting brain development. The government has implemented measures to address this crisis, but public cooperation remains crucial in combating air pollution in Pakistan.

Solid fuel burning for cooking, heating and light

Solid fuel burning for cooking, heating, and lighting is a major contributor to air pollution in Pakistan. Solid cooking fuels, such as wood, agricultural residues, and coal, are used by a significant portion of the population, with an estimated 2.3 billion people worldwide lacking access to clean cooking technologies. This practice releases harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxic substances, leading to indoor air pollution levels that far exceed recommended guidelines.

The impact of solid fuel burning on air quality in Pakistan is significant. According to the World Air Quality report, Pakistan was ranked as the second most polluted country in 2018, with Lahore and Karachi among the top 10 cities with the worst air pollution. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore and Karachi exceeded 180, far beyond the healthy threshold of 50. Solid fuel burning contributes to these high pollution levels, particularly within homes, posing risks to the health of those exposed, especially children.

The health risks associated with solid fuel burning are well-documented. Studies have shown that children in households using polluting fuels for cooking are more likely to experience acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and other respiratory issues. Solid fuel burning also increases the risk of lung-related diseases, including tuberculosis, and contributes to cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. The pollution from burning solid fuels can also lead to environmental degradation, deforestation, and climate change.

To address the issue of solid fuel burning and air pollution in Pakistan, it is essential to promote access to cleaner and more sustainable cooking technologies and fuels. Improved biomass stoves and clean-fuel stoves can significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality. Additionally, implementing policies and guidelines to limit emissions and providing education on alternative methods can help reduce the reliance on solid fuel burning for basic needs.

The Pakistani government and non-governmental organizations must work together to address this pressing issue. By providing access to cleaner and more affordable household energy sources, they can improve the health and well-being of Pakistan's citizens, especially children, and mitigate the environmental impacts of solid fuel burning.

Poor fuel quality

Pakistan has been suffering from poor air quality, which has had a strong impact on the quality of life of its citizens. A World Health Organization report from 2018 revealed that Pakistan was the second most polluted country in the world that year. The air quality in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar is particularly alarming, often presenting hazardous levels of pollution.

One of the major causes of air pollution in Pakistan is poor fuel quality. In 2017, Honda Atlas, a domestic assembler, complained about the poor quality of petrol marketed by oil majors in the country. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority tested the fuel and found that oil marketing companies and refineries were adulterating petrol with chemicals to increase the research octane number and meet the regulator's standards. The high level of manganese in the petrol was found to choke car catalytic converters, causing engine knocking and adversely affecting the environment and human health.

The issue of poor fuel quality is not limited to petrol. Furnace oil used in thermal power plants near Lahore can have a sulphur content of up to three percent, contributing to emissions hotspots. Additionally, diesel vehicles, particularly those using Euro-2 diesel, which contains 500 ppm of sulphur, are a primary source of pollution in urban areas. Pakistan's fuel standards have lagged behind those of other countries, and refineries have resisted investing in desulphurisation to protect their profits.

The impact of poor fuel quality is felt across various sectors. It poses a barrier to the adoption of eco-friendly cars, as car manufacturers are hesitant to introduce more environmentally friendly models due to concerns about the quality of fuel available in Pakistan. The power sector is also affected, with some power plants relying on furnace oil instead of cleaner alternatives like natural gas.

The Pakistani government has considered proposals to address the issue. For instance, the previous allowance of CNG for vehicles improved air quality and community health. However, the government has also faced criticism for considering allowing low-quality fuel for two-wheelers, which could spread air pollution and negatively impact public health.

Overall, poor fuel quality is a significant contributor to Pakistan's air pollution crisis, and addressing this issue through improved standards, regulations, and fuel alternatives is crucial for mitigating the country's dire health and environmental situation.

Industrialization and urbanization

Pakistan's air pollution levels have become a dire health emergency, reducing life expectancy and causing about 1 in 10 deaths for children under five. The air quality in Pakistan is mainly affected by local anthropogenic sources. Industrialization and urbanization have been identified as major contributors to the poor air quality in the country.

The cities of Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, the most populous cities in Punjab, are facing a worsening smog issue that returns every winter with greater intensity. The major contributing factors are traffic pollution, crop burning, and industrialization. The colder temperatures in the initial months of winter lead to smog formation, which blankets the major cities of Punjab. Among these cities, Faisalabad and Gujranwala are the industrial hubs of Punjab.

In addition to industrialization and urbanization, other factors contributing to air pollution in Pakistan include crop burning, brick kilns, and deforestation. These activities release various pollutants into the atmosphere, further degrading air quality. The combination of industrialization, urbanization, and these other factors has led to a rapid increase in population and overexploitation of natural resources, making air pollution a serious environmental concern in Pakistan.

The impact of industrialization and urbanization on air quality in Pakistan is evident in the high levels of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere. Statistically significant positive trends in PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 have been observed in about 89%, 67%, and 48% of Pakistani cities, respectively. This analysis of aerosol levels is the first of its kind and will be helpful to the Ministry of Climate Change, policymakers, and the local research community in mitigating air pollution and its effects on human health.

Vehicle emissions

The number of vehicles on the road is a significant concern, with an ever-increasing population leading to more cars and traffic congestion. This is particularly evident in Punjab, where the three most populated cities, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, are also the most polluted. These cities face a worsening smog problem that returns every winter with greater intensity, and traffic pollution is a major contributing factor.

The impact of vehicle emissions on air quality is not limited to a single city or region. Pakistan's Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) has identified Lahore, Peshawar, Islamabad, and Karachi as the most polluted cities, where air quality fails to meet World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines during autumn and winter. The annual average of PM2.5 in Lahore is 68 µg/m3, corresponding to an unhealthy Air Quality Index of 155. However, it is important to note that air pollution can reach much higher hazardous levels, as seen during smog events.

The high levels of vehicle emissions and their detrimental impact on air quality have serious health consequences for the population. Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), a component of smog, poses a significant health hazard. It can enter the airways and settle in the lungs, causing pulmonary issues. This fine particulate matter also reduces visibility, contributing to the "haziness" observed in smog. The health impacts of air pollution are widespread, affecting both physical and mental well-being.

To address the problem of vehicle emissions and improve air quality, Pakistan needs to implement long-term policies and regulations. This includes promoting sustainable transportation options, improving fuel quality, and investing in public transportation infrastructure. Additionally, short-term guidelines and public education can empower citizens to make informed choices to protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution.

Crop burning

Air pollution in Pakistan has become a pressing issue, with the country ranking as the second most polluted country in 2018. The poor air quality in Pakistan has severe health implications, reducing the life expectancy of its citizens by an average of 4.3 years. One of the major contributors to this problem is crop burning, which accounts for nearly a fifth of the country's air pollution.

The burning of crop residues is a cheap and convenient method for farmers to clear their fields and prepare them for the next planting season. However, this practice has severe consequences for air quality and public health. The emissions from crop burning include black carbon, a major contributor to global warming, and other toxic pollutants that can lead to respiratory problems, lung diseases, and even premature deaths.

To address this issue, the Punjab Government has introduced policies and regulations under the Environmental Protection Act (2012) to improve air quality and reduce crop burning. The Clean Air policy and a set of smog rules strictly prohibit crop burning, and district governments can fine farmers up to $200 per acre for violations. Additionally, the Punjab Agriculture Department (AgriPunjab) launched the Mechanized Management of Rice Crop Residue (MMRCR) program to subsidize machines that shred rice crop residue and incorporate it back into the soil, providing a sustainable alternative to burning.

Despite these efforts, the enforcement of crop burning bans remains challenging due to limitations in policy implementation and the lack of feasible alternatives for farmers. A systems approach is needed to address this complex issue, incorporating economic, regulatory, and information policy perspectives. It is important to consider the trade-offs of different policy approaches and ensure that the cost of transitioning to sustainable practices is not borne solely by farmers. By providing cost-effective alternatives and equitable solutions, Pakistan can make strides towards reducing crop burning and improving the air quality and well-being of its citizens.

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