Editorial
Despite recurring choking smog that grips Pakistan’s cities each year, the country remains stuck in a cycle of weak enforcement and ineffective policies. The smog, which has become an annual winter crisis, is primarily driven by industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and poor governance. The 2024 winter smog, which has severely impacted Punjab and neighboring areas, poses a dire question: How long will this environmental disaster continue to be neglected?
Although the government may deny negligence, the reality is evident. While other countries innovate to combat pollution, Pakistan’s efforts remain limited to superficial measures, such as temporary bans and press conferences, that fail to address the underlying causes. Major cities in Pakistan routinely report Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 150, considered unhealthy, throughout the year. This consistent pollution requires a comprehensive approach to address its root causes and adopt lessons from successful global efforts.
Countries like Beijing, London, Los Angeles, and regions in Southeast Asia have faced severe pollution but have managed to significantly improve their air quality through targeted, multi-faceted strategies. These examples reveal that effective solutions must address both environmental and public health concerns. For instance, the UK’s Clean Air Act of 1956 responded to London’s Great Smog by restricting coal burning, relocating industries, and establishing smokeless zones. In Beijing and Los Angeles, reforms included stricter emission controls, promoting renewable energy, and investing in public transport systems.
Pakistan’s air pollution crisis shares similarities with these historical cases but lacks the necessary legislative, technological, and public awareness strategies. The country’s environmental laws, such as the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, are poorly enforced, allowing polluting industries to operate unchecked. Short-term actions like seasonal bans and smog alerts do not address the root causes, such as stubble burning and fossil fuel reliance.
To tackle smog effectively, Pakistan must strengthen environmental law enforcement, promote cleaner energy sources, and improve public transport and urban planning. Additionally, a nationwide awareness campaign on the dangers of pollution and long-term investment in sustainable practices are essential. With stronger inter-provincial cooperation and cross-border efforts, particularly with India, Pakistan can develop a unified strategy to mitigate the smog crisis and protect public health.
