Haroon Asad
As Pakistan grapples with the suffocating effects of a severe smog crisis, with pollution levels so extreme they are visible from space, the country’s political leadership appears largely disengaged from the urgency of the situation. One of the most striking examples of this disregard comes from Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), who took to social media not to address the environmental disaster, but to make light-hearted remarks comparing Karachi to Lahore. By claiming that Karachi is a “better city,” Bhutto Zardari trivialized the real health crisis millions of Pakistanis are facing, especially those in northern Punjab, who are suffering from severe respiratory problems. His comments, rather than acknowledging the gravity of the smog issue, only highlighted a lack of empathy and an alarming ignorance about the factors contributing to the air pollution.
While Karachi’s air quality may currently be better than that of Lahore, this has less to do with any specific anti-smog measures in place and more with the city’s geographical advantage. Karachi benefits from coastal winds that naturally disperse air pollutants, a factor that keeps its air quality relatively more bearable. If it weren’t for this natural wind corridor, Karachi would likely face similar or worse pollution levels, especially given the city’s ongoing challenges with waste management and industrial emissions. Instead of undermining the crisis, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari could leverage his influence to raise awareness and lead a national conversation on tackling the environmental disaster. His public platform offers an opportunity to shift the focus from petty political rivalry to genuine environmental health advocacy, encouraging a collective national response.
Unfortunately, Bhutto Zardari’s dismissal of the crisis is not an isolated case. Other politicians, like Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, have also minimized the role of key contributors to smog. Asif recently downplayed the significance of stubble burning, instead pointing to transportation as the primary cause of air pollution. While it is true that emissions from vehicles are a significant contributor, stubble burning—particularly in northern India and Pakistan—remains a substantial factor that worsens the air quality, particularly during the winter months. Asif’s attempt to absolve farmers of responsibility by suggesting that they should not be penalized for the practice is concerning. Though his stance may be influenced by the agricultural constituencies he represents, dismissing the impact of stubble burning only serves to delay action on one of the critical drivers of smog. Every source of pollution, no matter how small, contributes to the overall crisis, and addressing stubble burning is essential in any comprehensive strategy to improve air quality.
The lack of a unified approach to tackling the smog issue is not limited to Pakistan’s borders. Across the border, in India’s Punjab region, the same problem exists, with Delhi recently being ranked as the world’s most polluted city. Both countries face significant hurdles in regulating stubble burning, with disagreements between federal authorities, local governments, and farmers who see the practice as an easy, cost-effective method for clearing fields. The resistance to change from farming communities, who rely on stubble burning as an inexpensive and convenient agricultural practice, has been a major roadblock to any meaningful progress. This fragmentation, both within Pakistan and across borders, is a primary reason the smog crisis continues to escalate.
In this environment of political fragmentation and self-interest, a proposal by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for climate diplomacy offers a potential path forward. Nawaz’s suggestion to set aside political differences and collaborate both within Pakistan and with neighboring countries like India could be a much-needed step in addressing the climate crisis. Smog is a regional problem that does not respect national borders, and the air pollution in one country impacts its neighbors. By fostering cross-border dialogue and cooperation on environmental issues, both Pakistan and India could align their efforts to tackle smog at its roots, particularly by regulating stubble burning and finding alternatives that are both environmentally and economically viable for farmers.
Such climate diplomacy is not just about addressing immediate health concerns, but also about ensuring long-term sustainability. By collaborating on environmental policies and sharing knowledge, the countries in the South Asian region could create a more unified approach to tackling air pollution, mitigating its effects on public health, and building resilience to future environmental challenges. This type of cooperation, however, requires a level of leadership and vision that is currently lacking among many political leaders who seem more focused on protecting their political constituencies than addressing a shared crisis that impacts millions of people, regardless of their political or geographical affiliations.
The smog crisis, in all its complexity, calls for more than just political platitudes or social media banter. It demands urgent, sustained action, not only from political leaders but from all sectors of society. The public must be educated about the health risks associated with smog, and the government must create a clear, actionable plan to reduce pollution at all levels—whether that’s by investing in clean energy, improving public transportation, or regulating agricultural practices. Pakistan’s political leaders need to stop treating environmental issues as secondary concerns and begin to treat them as an urgent national priority.
Ultimately, the smog crisis in Pakistan is a stark reminder of the profound disconnect between political leadership and the reality faced by ordinary citizens. While some politicians continue to engage in trivial disputes or downplay the seriousness of the situation, the people of Pakistan, particularly in the northern regions, are left to suffer the consequences. It is only through collaboration, both within the country and with neighboring nations, that meaningful solutions can be found to reduce smog, improve air quality, and safeguard the health of millions. The time for political point-scoring is over; what is needed now is leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the people and the environment over short-term political gains.
