Really Suffocating: Pakistan Battles Devastating Record Smog Season
Pakistan faced its worst smog season, with air pollution 20 times above safe levels. Learn about its impact, causes, and government efforts to curb the crisis.
Pakistan has just emerged from one of its most severe smog seasons, with millions breathing toxic air pollution far exceeding global safety limits. The winter smog season of 2024-2025 started earlier than usual, lasted longer, and recorded unprecedented pollution levels, particularly in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.
Record-Breaking Air Pollution: A Deadly Crisis
According to data from AQICN, a global air monitoring project, the air quality index (AQI) in Lahore remained at hazardous levels for nearly six months. Citizens in Karachi and Islamabad also endured 120 days of choking pollution, with PM2.5 concentrations soaring 20 times above the World Health Organization’s recommended levels.
Key Factors Contributing to the Smog Crisis
- Industrial and vehicular emissions: Factories and transport remain primary contributors to air pollution in Pakistan.
- Crop burning: Farmers burn crop stubble, releasing massive amounts of pollutants into the air.
- Weather conditions: This year, winter rains arrived late in February, delaying the natural cleansing of pollutants.
- Climate change: Unpredictable weather patterns exacerbate pollution levels, trapping smog for longer periods.
The Human Cost of Smog: Health and Economic Impacts
Health Consequences
- Respiratory diseases: Increased cases of asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections.
- Heart disease and strokes: Prolonged exposure raises the risk of cardiovascular issues.
- Mental health effects: Restricted outdoor activities lead to stress and anxiety, especially among students.
An Ipsos survey in November 2024 revealed that 80% of Pakistanis reported being directly affected by smog, experiencing symptoms like burning eyes, sore throats, and severe breathing difficulties.
Economic Fallout
- School and business closures: Authorities shut down educational institutions multiple times, disrupting academic schedules.
- Productivity loss: Workers struggle with deteriorating health, leading to decreased workplace efficiency.
- Medical expenses: Rising healthcare costs put a burden on low-income families.
Government Response: Is It Enough?
The Punjab government declared a “war on smog” this season, taking various measures:
- Increased air quality monitoring – Public monitoring devices rose from 3 to 30.
- Subsidies for farmers – Machinery was provided to reduce crop burning.
- Emission regulations – Crackdowns on polluting factories and brick kilns were enforced.
However, environmentalists argue that these efforts are insufficient. Restricting independent air quality monitoring and ineffective anti-smog machines have drawn criticism.
Expert Opinion: Solutions That Work
Experts emphasize that tackling the root causes is more important than temporary fixes. Ahmad Ali Gul from the University of Management and Technology explains:
“It’s like when a bathtub overflows. Do you grab a towel first, or do you turn off the tap? Pakistan needs to focus on emission control before discussing protection from smog.”
Can Pakistan Follow Global Best Practices?
Countries like China and the U.S. have successfully reduced air pollution through strict environmental policies. Some key lessons for Pakistan include:
- Implementing cleaner fuels: Encouraging the use of Euro 5 and Euro 6 fuel standards.
- Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs): The government aims for EVs to make up 30% of new car sales by 2030, but affordability remains a challenge.
- Stronger industrial regulations: Enforcing emission caps on factories and brick kilns.
The Role of Citizens
Individuals can also contribute to reducing smog by:
- Using public transport or carpooling to cut down emissions.
- Planting more trees to absorb pollutants.
- Advocating for stronger environmental policies.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
Pakistan had a glimpse of clean air during the COVID-19 lockdowns when factories and vehicles came to a halt. However, returning to pre-pandemic pollution levels has reinforced the urgency for sustained action.
While government initiatives are a step forward, stricter enforcement and public participation are necessary to combat this growing environmental crisis. Until then, millions of Pakistanis will continue to suffer from the suffocating consequences of air pollution.
Internal Resources
External Resources
By addressing the root causes and implementing sustainable policies, Pakistan can hope for cleaner air and a healthier future.
