Improving Air Quality in Pakistan: Strategies to Reduce Smog and Industrial Pollution

Introduction

Air pollution in Pakistan has reached critical levels, causing severe health, environmental, and economic impacts. The rapid pace of urbanization, increased vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices have all contributed to deteriorating air quality, particularly in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan is among the countries with the highest levels of air pollution globally, particularly concerning particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach involving regulatory reform, public awareness, technological innovation, and effective implementation of policies.

Current State of Air Quality in Pakistan

Data and Statistics

Pakistan’s air quality is among the worst in the world, with major urban centers frequently exceeding the Air Quality Index (AQI) safe limits. The WHO has reported that in 2020, Pakistan had an annual mean PM2.5 concentration of over 50 µg/m³, significantly higher than the WHO guideline limit of 5 µg/m³. Lahore, in particular, has seen PM2.5 levels exceeding 400 µg/m³ during peak smog season, which is well beyond the “hazardous” category.

According to the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), air pollution in Pakistan contributes to more than 135,000 premature deaths annually. Furthermore, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in its Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) indicated that air pollution is the third leading risk factor for death and disability in Pakistan, accounting for 22% of the total disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

Major Sources of Air Pollution

1. Vehicular Emissions: Vehicles are a significant source of air pollution in Pakistan, contributing to over 40% of the total pollution in urban areas. The lack of stringent emissions standards, the use of low-quality fuel, and the prevalence of two-stroke engines exacerbate this issue. In 2020, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) estimated that vehicular emissions accounted for about 90% of the carbon monoxide (CO) and nearly 60% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in cities.
2. Industrial Emissions: Industries such as brick kilns, steel mills, and cement factories are major contributors to air pollution, releasing large amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2), NOx, and particulate matter. In a report by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), it was found that industrial activities contribute to approximately 25% of the air pollution in metropolitan areas.
3. Agricultural Practices: The burning of crop residues, particularly in Punjab, is a significant source of seasonal smog. This practice releases substantial amounts of PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). During the winter months, agricultural burning is estimated to contribute to nearly 20% of PM2.5 levels in Punjab.
4. Urban Waste Burning: The open burning of solid waste due to inadequate waste management infrastructure releases toxic chemicals and particulate matter, contributing significantly to urban air pollution.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Air pollution in Pakistan has severe health consequences, affecting millions of people annually. According to the WHO, approximately 22,000 deaths in Pakistan in 2020 were directly attributable to respiratory diseases caused by poor air quality.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases

Chronic exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 is linked to a range of respiratory diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Aga Khan University Hospital reported a 30% increase in the incidence of respiratory illnesses in Karachi during the smog season in 2019. Cardiovascular diseases are also exacerbated by air pollution. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) noted a significant increase in hospital admissions for heart attacks and strokes during periods of high pollution.

Impact on Mental Health

Emerging studies have shown a correlation between air pollution and mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. In Pakistan, a study by the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, found that residents in areas with high pollution levels reported a 20% higher incidence of depression symptoms compared to those in less polluted regions.

Social and Economic Impacts

Economic Burden

Air pollution imposes a substantial economic burden on Pakistan. According to a World Bank report, air pollution costs the country about 5.9% of its GDP annually, factoring in health care costs, lost labor productivity, and reduced agricultural yields. The Pakistan Economic Survey 2020-21 highlighted that the cost of treating diseases caused by air pollution is rising, straining both public and private healthcare systems.

Impact on Agriculture

Ground-level ozone and other pollutants negatively impact crop yields by reducing photosynthesis and plant growth. In Pakistan, this leads to lower agricultural productivity and economic losses for farmers. A study by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) found that pollution-induced crop yield losses amounted to approximately $500 million annually.

Pakistan’s Initiatives to Improve Air Quality

To combat air pollution, the Government of Pakistan has launched several initiatives:

1. Punjab Clean Air Action Plan: The Punjab government, in collaboration with the World Bank, launched this plan in 2020 to reduce smog by targeting emissions from vehicles, industries, and crop residue burning. Measures include the introduction of Euro-V fuel standards, the closure of traditional brick kilns, and the promotion of cleaner technologies.
2. National Electric Vehicle Policy: In 2019, Pakistan introduced its first National Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP), aiming to convert 30% of the country’s vehicles to electric by 2030. This policy includes incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles, such as reduced customs duties and sales tax exemptions.
3. Smog Commission and Anti-Smog Squads: The Smog Commission was established in Punjab to address the causes of smog and implement strategies to reduce pollution. Anti-Smog Squads have been deployed to enforce environmental regulations, especially targeting industries and vehicles emitting pollutants beyond permissible limits.
4. Introduction of Zigzag Technology in Brick Kilns: To reduce emissions from the brick kiln sector, the government has mandated the adoption of zigzag technology, which is more efficient and less polluting than traditional methods. As of 2021, over 60% of brick kilns in Punjab have switched to this cleaner technology, significantly reducing particulate emissions.
5. Air Quality Monitoring and Public Awareness Campaigns: Pakistan is expanding its air quality monitoring network to provide real-time data on pollution levels. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate citizens about the health impacts of air pollution and promote behavioral changes, such as reducing vehicle use and refraining from burning waste.

Case Studies from Other Countries

Pakistan can learn from successful international examples of air quality management:

1. China: Comprehensive Air Quality Management

China’s aggressive approach to combating air pollution through the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (2013) focused on reducing coal consumption, upgrading industrial technology, and promoting cleaner vehicles. As a result, PM2.5 levels in key regions decreased by 35% from 2013 to 2018. Pakistan’s recent efforts to improve fuel quality and promote cleaner industrial technologies mirror China’s successful strategies.

2. United States: Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act (CAA) in the United States has led to substantial reductions in air pollution through stringent emission standards, market-based mechanisms, and comprehensive monitoring systems. Pakistan’s National Clean Air Policy, which is currently being developed, aims to adopt similar regulatory frameworks to ensure air quality standards are met nationwide.

3. Mexico City: Reducing Vehicular Emissions

Mexico City’s focus on stringent vehicle emissions standards and investment in public transportation reduced PM2.5 and ozone levels significantly. Pakistan’s National Electric Vehicle Policy and investments in public transportation infrastructure aim to achieve similar reductions in vehicular emissions.

Strategies to Reduce Smog and Industrial Pollution in Pakistan

Based on the current air quality scenario and international case studies, several strategies can be recommended for Pakistan:

1. Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks

• Enhancing Emission Standards: Pakistan needs to enforce stricter emission standards for vehicles and industries, similar to Euro-V standards. Regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance should be implemented to ensure adherence.
• Expanding Air Quality Monitoring: Increasing the number of air quality monitoring stations across the country will provide better data for decision-making and public awareness.

2. Promoting Cleaner Energy Sources

• Increasing Renewable Energy Capacity: Pakistan should continue to increase the share of renewable energy in its power mix, focusing on solar and wind projects. The government has already set a target to achieve 30% renewable energy by 2030.
• Switching to Cleaner Fuels in Industry: Encouraging industries to switch from coal to cleaner fuels like natural gas can significantly reduce emissions.

3. Enhancing Public Transportation

• Developing Sustainable Urban Transport Systems: Investment in mass transit systems such as metro buses and light rail can reduce reliance on private vehicles and lower emissions. Cities like Lahore and Islamabad have already seen improvements with the introduction of metro bus services.
• Promoting Electric Vehicles (EVs): Expanding incentives for electric vehicle adoption and developing necessary infrastructure, like charging stations, will help reduce emissions from the transport sector.

4. Improving Industrial Practices

• Modernizing Industrial Technology: Providing financial incentives and technical support to industries to adopt cleaner technologies can reduce emissions significantly.
• Relocating Polluting Industries: Shifting highly polluting industries away from densely populated areas can reduce the public health impact of pollution.

5. Addressing

Agricultural and Waste Management Practices

• Implementing Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Encouraging farmers to adopt no-burn techniques or use crop residues for bioenergy can reduce pollution from agricultural burning.
• Enhancing Waste Management: Developing efficient waste collection and processing systems to prevent the open burning of waste will help reduce urban air pollution.

6. Raising Public Awareness and Engagement

• Educational Campaigns: Conducting nationwide public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the health risks associated with air pollution and encouraging behavior change, such as carpooling, using public transport, and proper waste disposal, can have a significant impact.

Conclusion

Improving air quality in Pakistan requires a comprehensive approach that includes regulatory reform, technological innovation, and public engagement. Learning from international examples and tailoring these strategies to local conditions will be essential in effectively reducing smog and industrial pollution, thereby protecting public health, improving quality of life, and supporting sustainable economic development.