Editorial
The “2024 World Air Quality Report” paints a dire picture of Pakistan’s air quality, ranking the country as the third most polluted in the world. Islamabad is also identified as the fifth most polluted capital globally, reflecting a growing environmental and public health crisis that demands immediate attention.
According to the State of Global Air (SoGA) 2024 report, air pollution contributed to 256,000 deaths in Pakistan in 2021 alone, with children under five years old bearing the brunt of this burden—68,100 deaths were recorded in this vulnerable age group. The situation is particularly dire in cities like Lahore, which recently exceeded an annual average of PM2.5 levels of 100 µg/m³ for the first time in six years. Other cities like Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Peshawar also report significant pollution increases, with winter exacerbating the issue due to agricultural burning and industrial emissions.
Particulate matter (PM2.5) remains a primary pollutant, resulting from sources like vehicular emissions, industrial processes, and household practices such as cooking with solid fuels. The impact on health is profound, especially in low-income households, where vulnerable groups like children and the elderly face severe health risks.
Pl subscribe to the YouTube channel of republicpolicy.com for quality content.
While both reports provide useful solutions like improving air quality monitoring, enforcing stricter emission standards, and promoting renewable energy, they fall short in addressing Pakistan’s governance challenges, such as weak enforcement and political barriers. The reports also underplay the value of community-driven initiatives, which can play a crucial role in data collection and public engagement.
To tackle this crisis, Pakistan needs comprehensive, localized solutions that consider economic constraints, governance issues, and international cooperation for effective and sustainable change.
