Pakistan’s Worsening Air Quality: Combating Smog

This infographic is giving an alarming reminder of Pakistan’s worsening air quality crisis. The record AQI levels across major cities reveal a public health emergency that demands both immediate action & long-term commitment.

Also See: Breathing Poison: The Toxic Smog Crisis in Pakistan

Vehicle Emissions

The high emissions from outdated vehicles point to a lack of sustainable urban planning. Why has there been so little push for efficient public transport? Addressing emissions at the source, like vehicle standards and infrastructure, is crucial, yet neglected.

Industrial and Agricultural Factors

Despite the clear threat, industrial regulations in Pakistan remain weak, with many factories operating unchecked. Stricter enforcement of pollution standards could significantly reduce emissions, but enforcement is often undermined by limited resources and political will.

Crop burning highlights both a lack of alternatives for farmers and a cross-border issue. Why isn’t there greater regional cooperation between Pakistan and India to tackle shared environmental challenges? Real change requires collaboration.

Root Causes of Urban Pollution

As cities expand, so do the levels of construction dust. However, there’s minimal focus on implementing dust control measures. Development can’t come at the cost of public health. Regulations for construction should be treated as essential, not optional.

Urban expansion without environmental consideration has stripped cities of their natural “lungs.” While afforestation campaigns exist, they often lack scale and consistency. Why aren’t green belts a mandatory part of urban planning?

Mask mandates, school closures, and a ban on fireworks are only Band-Aid solutions. They highlight the severity of the crisis but fail to address root causes. These restrictions can’t be Pakistan’s default response each year. Structural change is overdue.

Urgent Overhaul Needed

Planting trees and banning crop burning, but implementation has been slow. There needs to be serious investment in green infrastructure, stricter emission controls, and public awareness. Pakistan’s worsening air quality crisis requires more than scattered measures; it calls for a national overhaul in air quality policies.

PAYF Insights are social media threads by various authors, reproduced here for wider consumption.