Parishay Fatima Awan
The escalating air pollution in Pakistan has reached a critical point, posing immediate and significant threats to human health and the environment. This urgent situation demands immediate and effective government intervention to tackle the root causes of this crisis. Regrettably, authorities are considering artificial rain as a costly stopgap measure, estimated to cost between 5 to 7 million rupees per application. This approach, while diverting public funds, does not provide a permanent or effective solution, merely postponing the inevitable and neglecting well-established sustainable strategies.
The smog that envelops many Pakistani cities will not dissipate with temporary measures. Addressing this issue requires a formal declaration of an environmental emergency coupled with decisive and urgent action. Historically, every administration has made promises to manage environmental pollution effectively; however, substantial progress remains elusive. The current government, like its predecessors, is touting ambitious plans to combat air pollution, including the introduction of Article 9A, which aims to guarantee the “Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment.” While this legislative initiative may garner international attention, there is no tangible evidence of enforcement or capability to implement such measures effectively.
Instead, the government seems to be recycling old strategies: the banning of brick kilns, restrictions on crop residue burning, and limitations on high-polluting vehicles are all repeated themes. Most recently, the Punjab government proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance of 1965, imposing heavy fines on vehicles with excessive emissions. The acknowledgment of transportation’s role in exacerbating smog is a step forward; however, cross-border pollution and inadequate waste management continue to complicate the situation. Diplomatic dialogues focusing on strategies to minimize stubble burning and curb transboundary pollution are, at best, temporary remedies, and they fail to establish a framework for sustained improvement.
Moreover, despite the ongoing anti-smog campaign—which targets smoke-emitting vehicles, factories, and kilns lacking catalytic converters—the smog persists, shrouding cities such as Lahore. The city’s air quality index has reached alarming figures, recently recording a staggering 394 and a subsequent drop to 291, with certain areas surpassing the limit of 400. The ineffectiveness of the anti-smog campaign stems, in part, from administrative shortfalls, prompting the government to revert to artificial rain as a supposed solution. Although a trial run of artificial rain last December—backed by the UAE—led to a temporary improvement, it ultimately failed to provide a long-term fix.
Winter exacerbates the issue, introducing temperature inversion that traps pollutants close to the ground and deteriorates air quality, creating respiratory health crises. A layer of warm air acts as a barrier, preventing pollutants from dissipating, thus exposing the populace to dangerously high concentrations of smog.
To truly combat air pollution, a paradigm shift is essential. An integrated approach focusing on reforestation, transitioning to cleaner fuel sources, and stringent emission controls in transport and industrial sectors is crucial. Innovative technologies that have successfully reduced pollution elsewhere should be explored. For instance, China has implemented smog-free towers in urban areas, while other nations are transforming air pollutants into valuable materials, showcasing that pollution can indeed be repurposed into resources rather than being treated solely as a crisis.
Unfortunately, the current governmental agenda does not prioritize these vital long-term solutions nor does it adequately address public welfare. If the ruling party aims to sustain its authority, it must pivot towards policies that truly benefit its citizens. Tackling air pollution should be viewed as an urgent public health matter worthy of immediate attention. Fundamental actions must include putting an end to waste and crop residue burning and rigorously enforcing compliance among brick kilns through the zigzag technology.
The government must adopt a robust stance against factories and vehicles that emit hazardous pollutants while intensifying tree-planting campaigns to revitalize the atmosphere. However, it is imperative to recognize that the responsibility for combating air pollution cannot rest solely on governmental shoulders. It requires a collective effort from the entire community. By fostering public engagement and mobilizing citizens to take part in these initiatives, Pakistan can tackle air pollution more effectively, mitigate smog, and restore its environment to a healthier state. Each individual’s contribution is crucial in this collective effort.
In conclusion, the air pollution crisis in Pakistan demands more than temporary fixes like artificial rain. It requires a comprehensive and sustainable approach that encompasses effective legislation, innovative technologies, and active public participation. Only through a long-term commitment to these sustainable solutions can we hope to safeguard public health and ensure a cleaner, safer environment for future generations.
