In 2024, Pakistan has been ranked as the third most polluted country in the world, primarily due to a severe smog crisis affecting public health. Key cities such as Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar are heavily impacted. The air quality report reveals alarming PM2.5 concentrations, significantly exceeding WHO guidelines, and highlights the urgent need for policy interventions to combat air pollution.
In 2024, Pakistan has been designated as the third most polluted country globally, largely due to an alarming smog crisis impacting public health significantly. This ranking comes from the World Air Quality Report, which assesses global air quality. Notably, key cities such as Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar have experienced the most severe effects of this crisis.
The World Air Quality Report, compiled by Swiss air technology company IQAir, found that Pakistan’s pollution level was only exceeded by Chad and Bangladesh. The Democratic Republic of Congo and India followed in the rankings. Alarmingly, the report cited an average concentration of PM2.5 at 73.7 micrograms per cubic meter, which is nearly 15 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.
The situation reached a critical level in Punjab, where authorities declared the smog a “calamity” as nearly two million individuals required medical assistance for ailments linked to pollution. In response to these conditions, the government enacted lockdowns and closed schools in heavily affected regions. Despite the drastic smog crisis, the report indicated that overall air pollution levels in Pakistan remained static compared to the previous year.
Within the South Asian context, Pakistan ranks second in pollution, following Bangladesh. Several cities, including Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot, were identified among the fifteen most polluted in the region. Factors contributing to this persistent pollution include biomass burning, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, brick kiln activities, and construction dust.
The annual pollution levels have shown a marked deterioration in cities such as Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. Conversely, Karachi observed a slight improvement, with PM2.5 levels dropping from over 55 μg/m³ to approximately 46 μg/m³. Additionally, during November 2023, five cities in Pakistan recorded dangerously high PM2.5 levels exceeding 200 μg/m³.
A survey conducted by the international research firm Ipsos highlights that roughly 70% of Pakistan’s population is grappling with health issues related to smog exposure. Given the rising pollution, environmental experts are urgently advocating for the implementation of effective policies to address the deteriorating air quality and shield public health.
Pakistan’s designation as the third most polluted country in the world underscores a severe environmental crisis exacerbated by a debilitating smog situation. Major cities are enduring alarming pollution levels, which have led to significant health concerns among the population. Urgent governmental action is necessary to mitigate pollution sources and improve the air quality for the wellbeing of all citizens.
Original Source: www.republicworld.com
