Helena Joyce
Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, is facing significant pollution issues, particularly regarding air quality. With nearly 15 million inhabitants and a high level of industry, Karachi suffers from pollution-related problems common to densely populated, rapidly developing cities. The city's air quality index (AQI) readings have fluctuated in recent years, with a PM2.5 reading of 40.2 μg/m³ in 2019, placing it in the ''unhealthy for sensitive groups' bracket. To address these issues, Pakistan has implemented various measures, including the development of a National Clean Air Plan, the promotion of electric vehicles, the improvement of brick kilns, and the restoration of public transport systems. These initiatives aim to reduce air pollution and mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as the devastating floods that affected one-third of the country in 2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current PM2.5 level | 40 µg/m³ |
| WHO guideline PM2.5 level | 15 µg/m³ |
| Air quality rating | Acceptable, but sensitive individuals should be cautious |
| National Clean Air Plan | Re-evaluation and revision of Pakistan’s Clean Air Program |
| National Transport Policy | Development of walking and cycling infrastructures |
| National Transport Policy | Adoption of electric and other low-carbon transport means |
| Pakistan Electric Vehicle Policy target | 30% shift in sales to electric vehicles by 2030 |
| Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy target | 20% of energy generation capacity from alternative and renewable sources by 2025 |
| Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy target | 30% of energy generation capacity from alternative and renewable sources by 2030 |
| National Climate Change Policy measures | Promotion and incentivization of coal-bed methane capture |
| National Climate Change Policy measures | Prioritization of natural gas, LNG, and LPG imports over coal and oil |
| Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) partnership | Support for activities in bricks, household energy, agriculture, and waste sectors |
| Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) | Intention to reduce up to 50% of projected emissions by 2030 |
| Brick kiln technology | Conversion to zigzag technology to reduce air pollution |
| Karachi Circular Railway | Partial restoration to improve public transport |
| Karachi port cleanup | Removal of waste from berths, jetties, and navigational channels |
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What You'll Learn
- The Pakistani government has implemented the National Clean Air Plan
- The Climate and Clean Air Coalition is supporting Pakistan in reducing emissions
- Pakistan is transitioning to electric vehicles and improving fuel standards
- Karachi's public transport system is being improved to reduce private vehicle usage
- Pakistan is upgrading brick kilns and promoting cleaner energy sources
The Pakistani government has implemented the National Clean Air Plan
Pakistan has some of the worst air pollution in the world, with air pollution reducing Pakistani lifespans by an average of four years, and by seven years in some areas. Karachi, one of the largest cities in Pakistan, is no exception, with a PM2.5 reading of 40.2 μg/m³ in 2019, placing it in the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' bracket.
The National Clean Air Plan focuses on reducing particulate matter emissions and other air pollutants. This includes switching to more electric vehicles, reducing burning in agricultural waste, and improving fuel sources. Pakistan's Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) partnership has played a crucial role in ensuring the capacity and coordination necessary to integrate climate and clean air initiatives.
Additionally, the Pakistani government has implemented policies to reduce emissions from the energy sector, such as 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 2019 aims for 20% of the country's energy generation capacity to come from renewable sources by 2025 and 30% by 2030. The Pakistan Electric Vehicle Policy, adopted in 2020, targets a 30% shift in sales to electric vehicles by 2030, with tax cuts introduced in July 2021 to incentivize this transition.
The National Transport Policy of 2018 also includes measures to cut the transport sector's climate and air pollutant emissions, such as developing walking and cycling infrastructures and pursuing low-carbon transport options. In Karachi, the restoration of the Karachi Circular Railway is a positive step towards improving public transportation and reducing the reliance on old, polluting private buses.
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The Climate and Clean Air Coalition is supporting Pakistan in reducing emissions
Pakistan has been a partner of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) since 2017. The CCAC has supported Pakistan in a variety of ways to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
One of the key areas of collaboration is in the bricks sector. Pakistan has committed to upgrading its brick kilns to zig-zag technology, which is significantly more efficient and reduces air pollution. In 2021, the Ministry of Climate Change announced that all 7,896 traditional brick kilns in the Punjab province had been converted to zig-zag technology. This technology is crucial because brick kilns are recognised as one of the largest sources of black carbon, contributing to about 20% of total worldwide emissions.
The CCAC has also supported Pakistan in developing its National Clean Air Plan. This plan sets targets for air pollution concentration, identifies actions to mitigate air pollution, and outlines coordination for air quality management. It includes Pakistan's first national air pollutant inventory, quantifying black carbon and other pollutants at the national and provincial levels. The CCAC is also supporting the development of Provincial Clean Air Action Plans (CAAPs) for eight provinces, helping to tailor strategies to local conditions and data.
In addition, the CCAC has worked with Pakistan to reduce methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming. This includes developing strategies for the organic waste sector and reducing emissions from rice production. Pakistan is also a signatory to the Global Methane Pledge, aiming to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
Furthermore, the CCAC has supported Pakistan in transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Pakistan has adopted the Pakistan Electric Vehicle Policy, targeting a 30% shift to electric vehicles by 2030. The country has also committed to halting the construction of new coal power plants and incentivising the use of alternative and renewable energy sources.
The collaboration between Pakistan and the CCAC demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality, with a range of initiatives targeting key sectors such as bricks, household energy, agriculture, and waste management.
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Pakistan is transitioning to electric vehicles and improving fuel standards
Pakistan is taking steps to address pollution in Karachi, the country's largest city and 12th largest city worldwide, with a population of nearly 15 million. The country is transitioning to electric vehicles and improving fuel standards to combat pollution and improve air quality.
The Pakistani government has implemented various measures to reduce emissions and promote electric vehicles (EVs). The Pakistan Electric Vehicle Policy, adopted in 2020, aims for a 30% shift in sales to electric vehicles by 2030. To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, the government introduced tax cuts in July 2021. Pakistan has also been a partner of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) since 2017, working on initiatives to reduce emissions and air pollution.
Leading automobile manufacturers in Pakistan are introducing electric vehicle models with varying price ranges to cater to diverse income groups. Several international automobile companies, including those from South Korea, China, and Japan, have recognized Pakistan's potential market for EV technology and are collaborating with local businesses to bring EVs to the country. Audi, for example, launched the e-Tron 50 Quattro in Pakistan in April 2020, becoming the first electric car to debut in the country. Other notable electric vehicles in Pakistan include the Inverex Xio, MG ZS EV, and Audi e-tron GT, with prices ranging from PKR 3,499,000 to PKR 81,000,000.
In addition to electric vehicles, Pakistan is also improving fuel standards. The country has adopted Euro V emission standards, skipping Euro III and Euro IV, to enhance engine performance and reduce emissions. Pakistani petroleum companies have invested significant amounts to upgrade their refineries and produce Euro 2-compliant fuel. This transition to higher emission standards is expected to positively impact the Pakistani auto industry and improve air quality.
While Pakistan is making strides towards electric vehicles and improving fuel standards, there are still challenges to overcome. One of the major challenges in the EV industry is the lack of awareness about the advantages of EVs, as well as the shortage of electricity and charging infrastructure. Additionally, older vehicles that produce unsafe levels of pollution due to factors such as vehicle age and fuel type are still prevalent on the roads. Addressing these issues and transitioning to cleaner fuel sources will be crucial in reducing pollution levels in Karachi and across Pakistan.
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Karachi's public transport system is being improved to reduce private vehicle usage
Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, is home to roughly 15 million people. As a result of its dense population, Karachi suffers from pollution issues. In 2019, the city's PM2.5 reading of 40.2 μg/m³ put it in 231st place among the world's most polluted cities.
To address this issue, the Government of Pakistan has implemented the 'Karachi Transportation Improvement Plan 2030', which includes the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and the introduction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines. The KCR, which first began operations in 1964, was once an effective mass transportation system until operational inefficiencies led to its closure in 1999. In February 2021, the KCR was relaunched, initially operating on a 14-kilometre track between Orangi and Karachi City Station. The government plans to modernise the KCR by introducing electric trains and improving its infrastructure. The KCR project is envisioned as a 43-kilometre dual-track rail mass transit system with 33 stations, connecting key areas in the city.
The BRT system in Karachi is also undergoing significant developments. The Sindh government plans to introduce 240 buses, with 130 buses allocated for Karachi. The Karachi BRT Red Line, powered by a waste-to-fuel scheme generating biomethane from cattle waste, will benefit 1.5 million people in the city with an expected daily ridership of 350,000. The BRT Red Line will feature 22 stations on a dedicated corridor from Malir Halt to Namaish, providing accessible, mobile, and well-connected transportation for citizens.
These improvements to Karachi's public transport system aim to reduce traffic congestion and enhance air quality by encouraging a shift from private vehicle usage to more sustainable modes of transportation.
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Pakistan is upgrading brick kilns and promoting cleaner energy sources
Pakistan has been taking several steps to combat pollution, particularly in Karachi, one of the largest cities in the country and the 12th largest in the world. Karachi faces a unique set of challenges due to its high population density and rapid development, which contribute to pollution-related issues.
One significant initiative is the upgrade of brick kilns to zigzag technology. In 2018, the Environment Protection Department of Punjab mandated that all new brick kilns must incorporate this technology. By 2021, all 7,896 traditional brick kilns in Punjab had been converted to zigzag technology, a move that significantly reduces air pollution.
Additionally, Pakistan is actively promoting cleaner energy sources and reducing emissions from the energy sector. The National Climate Change Policy of 2012 includes incentives for coal-bed methane capture and prioritizes the importation of natural gas, LNG, and LPG over coal and oil. The Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy of 2019 aims for 20% of the country's energy generation capacity to come from renewable sources by 2025 and 30% by 2030. In 2020, the government announced a halt to the construction of new coal power plants. Furthermore, Pakistan adopted the Electric Vehicle Policy in 2020, targeting a 30% shift to electric vehicles by 2030, with tax cuts introduced in 2021 to encourage their adoption.
Other initiatives include the development of walking and cycling infrastructures and the establishment of a bus rapid transit system in Karachi, utilizing biomethane hybrid buses. Pakistan is also working to mitigate pollution from the agricultural sector by stopping open burning and improving manure storage and management.
The country has also developed a National Clean Air Plan, utilizing its first Air Pollutant Inventory, to address the devastating impacts of air pollution and achieve its climate goals. Pakistan's efforts demonstrate a commitment to improving air quality and mitigating climate change, with the understanding that these initiatives are crucial for the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
The Pakistani government has implemented various measures to reduce pollution in Karachi, including:
- Improving public transportation: The Karachi Circular Railway has been partially restored, providing an alternative to private vehicles.
- Electric vehicle incentives: Pakistan introduced tax cuts for electric vehicles in July 2021.
- Brick kiln technology: All traditional brick kilns in Punjab province have been converted to zigzag technology, reducing air pollution.
- Clean cookstoves: Initiatives have been implemented to introduce clean cookstoves across Pakistan, reducing household air pollution.
- Renewable energy: The Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy aims for 20% of the country's energy generation capacity to come from renewable sources by 2025.
The CCAC has been a partner with Pakistan since 2017, providing support and expertise in the bricks, household energy, agriculture, and waste sectors. They have worked with the Pakistani government to develop a National Clean Air Plan, which includes reducing particulate matter emissions, switching to more electric vehicles, and improving the efficiency of industries.
The Supreme Court has ordered the inspection of vehicles for harmful gas emissions. Sada Bakhsh Dars and his team stop vehicles, install sensors, and check pollutant levels. Vehicles that pass the inspection receive a green sticker, while those that fail are fined and instructed to make necessary repairs. Additionally, the Pakistan Electric Vehicle Policy aims to achieve a 30% shift in sales to electric vehicles by 2030.
