Pakistan's Air Pollution Crisis: Understanding The Causes

Pakistan is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with severe air pollution that has devastating impacts on the health of its citizens. In 2024, Pakistan was ranked as the third most polluted country globally, with nearly two million people requiring medical attention for pollution-related health issues. The country's air quality index (AQI) often far exceeds safe levels, with Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, being the worst affected. The main sources of air pollution in Pakistan include transportation, industrial emissions, biomass burning, and the use of low-quality fuel. The government has implemented some measures to address the issue, but the slow progress has led to warnings from experts about the potentially disastrous consequences for the country.

Poor fuel emission standards

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. The country is facing an energy crisis, with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. In 2021, gas, oil, and coal accounted for a combined 86% of the country's energy needs, with gas alone making up 42%18th largest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2018, and its emissions continue to rise due to the increasing cost of fossil fuel imports.

The country's energy crisis is closely tied to its economic woes, with one in four people in Pakistan lacking access to electricity. The government is working towards adopting Euro 5 and 6 fuel quality standards under the proposed National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) to reduce pollution and improve the environment. However, Pakistan currently lacks a comprehensive air quality compliance framework and policy guidelines.

The transport sector is a major contributor to Pakistan's poor air quality. Many vehicles on the road are outdated and unsafe, running on lower-quality fuel, which results in high levels of pollution. During the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, pollution levels in cities like Lahore decreased significantly due to reduced traffic, only to rise again once the restrictions were lifted.

The government's NCAP aims to address this issue by enforcing emission standards for industries and promoting the use of low-emission technologies. By implementing short-term policy measures and structural reforms, Pakistan hopes to improve its air quality and reduce the health impacts of pollution, which currently shorten the average life expectancy in the country by up to 2.7 to 3.9 years.

Lack of green spaces

Pakistan is a rapidly urbanizing country in South Asia, with a massive population of around 212.2 million people, making it the 5th most populous country in the world. It is also the world's fourth most polluted country, with many of its cities creating vast amounts of smoke, haze, and deadly smog. The air pollution in Pakistan is so severe that it shortens the average resident's life expectancy by 3.3 to 3.9 years, with some areas faring much worse and losing almost 7 years off their lives.

One of the contributing factors to Pakistan's poor air quality is the lack of green spaces in its rapidly expanding urban areas. Urban development has resulted in the loss of urban vegetation, with one study showing a 36% loss in the Lahore district over two decades. This imbalance between impervious surfaces and green spaces leads to the Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) effect, which further exacerbates the issue. The distribution and accessibility of green spaces in congested areas like Shahdara Town in Lahore are insufficient, impacting the life quality and ecological justice for the residents.

The importance of green spaces extends beyond just mitigating air pollution. They offer mental health benefits as well. A study examining the self-perceived mental health advantages of visiting green spaces found that most participants believed their visits positively impacted various aspects of their mental health, including stress, anxiety, mood, energy, optimism, confidence, and concentration levels. However, the study also revealed low usage and activity intensity levels among certain sub-population groups, such as women, young adults, and the elderly, emphasizing the need to ensure equitable access to green spaces for all.

The expansion of industrial hubs and service industries in cities like Lahore has led to a shift in the workforce, with a significant portion now employed in cultural enterprises, banking, real estate, finance, and social services. This urbanization and densification of urban areas contribute to the loss of green spaces and the SUHI effect. Sustainable urban land-use development and management practices are crucial to ensuring a healthier and more sustainable living environment for Pakistan's growing population.

In summary, the lack of green spaces in Pakistan, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas, contributes to the country's severe air pollution problem and has negative implications for the health and well-being of its citizens. Ensuring equitable access to green spaces and implementing sustainable urban planning practices are essential steps towards improving air quality and the overall quality of life for Pakistan's residents.

Vehicular pollution

Pakistan is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with many of its cities creating vast amounts of smoke, haze, and smog. Vehicular pollution is a significant contributor to this issue.

Lahore, the country's second-largest city, is a prime example of the impact of vehicular pollution. In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, it became evident how much vehicle emissions affect overall air quality. With mass lockdowns in place, pollution levels started to decrease, only to return to their previous poor levels once the restrictions were lifted. Lahore, once known as the "city of gardens", now struggles with poor air quality, which has severe health consequences for its residents.

The impact of vehicular pollution on Lahore was further highlighted in 2017 when citizen-operated sensors began monitoring fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and reporting real-time data. This data shocked the public and brought the issue of air pollution to the forefront, leading to a petition to review the government's response to the smog crisis. Lahore's air quality has consistently failed to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards, with the city ranking highly on global live pollution rankings.

To address the crisis, the Pakistani government must implement robust policy measures, including tightening transport emission regulations and enforcing stricter fuel quality standards. Reducing industrial and vehicular emissions is critical to improving the country's air quality and mitigating the severe health and economic impacts of pollution.

In summary, vehicular pollution is a significant contributor to Pakistan's poor air quality, particularly in cities like Lahore. The country faces a pressing need to reduce vehicle emissions and improve overall air quality to protect the health and well-being of its citizens.

Industrial emissions

Pakistan is the world's fourth most polluted country, with its megacities creating vast amounts of smoke, haze, and smog that permeates the air. The country's industrial sector, which includes industries such as textiles, leather, chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, is a major contributor to air pollution.

The industrial sector in Pakistan has been growing due to local and global factors, with the number of large-scale manufacturing industries (LSMIs) increasing exponentially over the years. This growth has led to a deterioration in ambient air quality, with emissions of pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and smoke. The main factors controlling the emission of pollutants from industries into the atmosphere are the type, quantity, and quality of fuels used. Pakistan's industrial sector relies heavily on fossil fuels such as coal, diesel, furnace oil, and compressed natural gas (CNG). The burning of these fuels releases dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere, leading to negative consequences for both human health and the environment.

The impact of industrial emissions on air quality in Pakistan is particularly evident in Karachi, one of the country's largest and most densely populated cities. The industrial activities in Karachi have been associated with a severe increase in air pollution, posing threats to the local population's health, quality of life, and environment. Studies have shown that the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) in the air exceeds environmental quality standards. The high levels of air pollutants have severe health implications and can cause chronic infections, respiratory issues, and other negative health effects.

In addition to the direct emissions from industries, the industrial sector in Pakistan also contributes to air pollution through the unsafe disposal of hazardous waste and effluents. The unregulated nature of some industrial operations leads to the release of toxic substances into the environment, damaging ecosystems and water bodies. The World Trade Organization has set strict rules and regulations for the safe disposal of hazardous substances, but Pakistan continues to struggle with high levels of industrial pollution.

To address the issue of industrial air pollution in Pakistan, it is crucial to implement and enforce local environmental standards and regulations. Consistent monitoring and evaluation of air quality are essential to quantify the impact of industrial activities and to develop effective mitigation measures. By understanding the sources and characteristics of industrial pollutants, Pakistan can work towards improving air quality and reducing the negative consequences for human health and the environment.

Poor environmental regulatory capacity

Pakistan's air pollution is a complex issue influenced by various factors, one of which is the country's poor environmental regulatory capacity. This refers to the country's ability to manage and regulate environmental concerns, particularly those related to air quality.

One aspect of Pakistan's poor environmental regulatory capacity is the inadequate treatment of air emissions from industrial activities. The country's rapid industrialization, urbanization, and motorization have led to a significant increase in air pollution sources without sufficient controls in place. Industrial activities, including factories and vehicles, emit large amounts of pollutants that contribute to the deterioration of air quality in major cities. The lack of stringent regulations and enforcement measures allows these emissions to go unchecked, leading to the high levels of pollution observed in Pakistan's urban areas.

Additionally, Pakistan faces challenges in waste management, which further exacerbates air pollution. The common practice of burning solid waste, including plastic and rubber, on street corners releases toxic gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere. This open burning of waste is a significant health hazard for residents, particularly in highly populated areas. The lack of proper waste management systems and regulatory control over waste disposal practices contributes to the air quality issues faced by Pakistani citizens.

Moreover, Pakistan's environmental regulatory capacity is hindered by limited institutional capabilities and a lack of awareness among the public. While organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) have provided technical support and conducted assessments, more needs to be done to strengthen the country's ability to effectively monitor and address environmental concerns. Raising public awareness about the impacts of air pollution and promoting the adoption of mitigation measures can also play a crucial role in improving the country's regulatory capacity.

The country's geographical location and socioeconomic factors further complicate its ability to manage air pollution effectively. Pakistan borders other highly polluted countries, such as India, China, Iran, and Afghanistan, which contributes to the region's overall poor air quality. Additionally, Pakistan's rapid population growth and economic expansion place immense pressure on its limited natural resources, leading to a "vicious downward spiral of impoverishment and environmental degradation," as described by the World Bank.

To address these challenges, Pakistan has taken some initiatives to improve its environmental regulatory capacity. The Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, launched in 2018, aims to monitor air quality in major cities. Additionally, the World Health Organization has provided support and developed regional plans to help Pakistan and other countries in the region improve their environmental and health outcomes. However, more comprehensive and sustained efforts are needed to bring about significant improvements in the country's air quality and overall environmental health.

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