Why Owning Up to Responsibility is Often Overlooked in Pakistan

As the winter months settle in, Pakistan's cities, particularly Lahore, are once again cloaked in a thick, choking blanket of smog. What was once a seasonal inconvenience has now become a recurring health crisis, affecting millions of Pakistanis. Smog, a dangerous combination of fog and air pollutants, is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a public health emergency. But what’s causing this problem, and why does it seem to be getting worse every year?

The Causes: Where Is All This Smog Coming From?

Smog in Pakistan, especially in cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad, is primarily caused by a combination of industrial pollution, vehicle emissions, crop burning, and the burning of low-quality fuels. These pollutants mix with fog during the colder months to create thick clouds of smog that linger in the air for days or even weeks.

1. Industrial Emissions: Pakistan's growing industrial sector, while essential for economic progress, contributes heavily to the pollution problem. Factories and brick kilns, many of which use outdated technology and lack proper filtration systems, release vast amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere. According to the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), industrial emissions are one of the leading causes of air pollution in the country.

2. Vehicle Emissions: With a rapidly growing urban population and an increasing number of vehicles on the roads, Pakistan’s cities are experiencing heightened levels of traffic-related pollution. Poor vehicle maintenance, a lack of emission control technologies, and the widespread use of diesel and substandard fuel only exacerbate the issue. A report by the Asian Development Bank in 2022 revealed that nearly 43% of Pakistan's air pollution comes from transport-related emissions.

3. Crop Burning: Every year, as farmers prepare their fields for the next planting season, large-scale burning of crop residues takes place. This practice, especially in the Punjab region, releases massive amounts of particulate matter into the atmosphere. Cross-border crop burning in India also contributes to smog levels in Eastern Pakistan, making the situation even worse.

4. Coal and Biomass Burning: In rural and urban slums, many households rely on coal, wood, and other forms of biomass for cooking and heating. The burning of these fuels, often in poorly ventilated areas, contributes significantly to the overall pollution levels.

The Impact: A Growing Health Crisis

The impact of smog on public health is severe. The air quality in major cities frequently dips into the "hazardous" category during the smog season, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) sometimes reaching above 400—levels at which long-term exposure can lead to serious health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Pakistan has one of the highest mortality rates due to air pollution, with over 128,000 deaths annually linked to poor air quality.

Some of the most common health problems caused by smog include:

- Respiratory Issues: Smog is particularly dangerous for those with asthma, bronchitis, and other pre-existing respiratory conditions. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) present in smog can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation, shortness of breath, and exacerbating chronic diseases.

- Eye and Skin Irritation: Prolonged exposure to smog can cause itchy, red eyes, skin irritation, and dryness.

- Cardiovascular Diseases: Studies have shown a direct link between poor air quality and heart disease. People exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.

- Developmental Problems in Children: Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smog. Long-term exposure can lead to impaired lung development, making them more susceptible to respiratory diseases later in life.

Economic and Environmental Costs

The economic cost of air pollution in Pakistan is staggering. According to the World Bank, air pollution costs Pakistan nearly $47.8 billion annually in terms of healthcare expenses, lost labor productivity, and decreased agricultural yields. This financial burden not only affects the overall economy but also disproportionately impacts the poorest segments of society, who are more vulnerable to health problems caused by pollution.

Environmentally, smog is a disaster waiting to happen. The pollutants that contribute to smog are also responsible for climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions from industries and vehicles, along with deforestation and agricultural practices, are leading to rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns across Pakistan. The country is already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, from melting glaciers to more frequent floods and droughts.

Government Response: Is It Enough?

While the government has acknowledged the problem, efforts to tackle air pollution and smog have been slow and inadequate. Some steps have been taken, such as the introduction of smog alerts and attempts to regulate brick kilns and crop burning. However, enforcement remains a major issue. Industrial polluters often escape accountability due to weak environmental regulations, and there is a lack of public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing vehicle emissions or promoting cleaner fuel alternatives.

In 2019, Lahore High Court ordered the shutdown of hundreds of polluting brick kilns across Punjab, but many of these reopened without making any real changes. The government's attempts to implement Euro-II fuel standards in vehicles and switch brick kilns to "zigzag technology" to reduce emissions have seen limited success, mostly due to poor enforcement and a lack of infrastructure to support these initiatives.

What Needs to Be Done?

Addressing the smog crisis in Pakistan requires a multi-pronged approach involving both the government and the public. Here are some key steps that could help mitigate the problem:

1. Stricter Emission Standards: Pakistan needs to implement and enforce stricter emission standards for both industries and vehicles. This includes upgrading fuel quality, encouraging the use of electric vehicles, and improving public transportation to reduce traffic congestion.

2. Regulation of Crop Burning: Farmers should be provided with alternative solutions to crop burning, such as subsidized machinery for managing agricultural waste. Collaboration with neighboring countries like India to regulate cross-border pollution is also crucial.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns: The government must launch large-scale campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of smog and how individual actions—such as carpooling, reducing wood burning, and maintaining vehicles—can help reduce pollution levels.

4. Investing in Renewable Energy: Transitioning from coal and biomass to cleaner, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power would significantly reduce the country's air pollution levels.

5. Improved Healthcare Access: Given the rising health issues caused by smog, there’s a pressing need for better access to healthcare facilities, particularly for those in rural areas or from low-income households.

Conclusion: A Breath of Fresh Air?

Pakistan’s smog crisis won’t be solved overnight, but urgent action is necessary to avoid long-term health, environmental, and economic disasters. It’s time for both the government and citizens to acknowledge the severity of the issue and work together to create lasting solutions. Cleaner air isn’t just a dream—it’s a necessity for the health and well-being of future generations. Only by embracing change and implementing stricter regulations can Pakistan hope to breathe freely again.