Pakistan Ranks Third in Global Pollution; Smog Crisis Threatens Public Health
In 2024, Pakistan ranked third in global pollution, facing critical health issues related to smog. The 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir highlighted alarming PM2.5 levels and declared the smog crisis a calamity, with major cities experiencing severe pollution. Urgent policy measures are recommended to combat worsening air quality and protect public health.
In 2024, Pakistan was identified as the third most polluted nation globally, largely due to an alarming smog crisis that had detrimental effects on public health. The 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir ranked Pakistan after Chad and Bangladesh in terms of pollution levels, revealing an average PM2.5 concentration of 73.7 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s safe limit by nearly 15 times.
The smog crisis reached catastrophic levels in Punjab, leading government officials to declare it a calamity. In 2023, almost two million individuals sought medical care for pollution-related health concerns, prompting the authorities to implement lockdowns and close schools in severely impacted areas. Despite these measures, the report indicated that overall air quality remained stagnant from the previous year.
Cities such as Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot were noted among the 15 most severely affected locations in Central and South Asia, with various pollution sources identified, such as industrial emissions, biomass burning, and vehicle exhausts. In comparison to 2023, pollution levels escalated in major cities while Karachi exhibited a marginal improvement with a decrease in PM2.5 levels.
Moreover, a survey conducted by Ipsos revealed that about 70% of the Pakistani population experienced health problems attributed to smog, underscoring the severity of the nation’s air quality crisis. Environmental specialists have urged immediate policy reforms to address the escalating pollution and ensure public health safety.
The ongoing smog crisis has positioned Pakistan dangerously close to the forefront of global pollution rankings, with significant implications for public health. The alarming levels of PM2.5, which far exceed recommended standards, have resulted in severe health consequences for a substantial portion of the population. The situation calls for immediate policy interventions to mitigate pollution sources and improve air quality for the well-being of residents throughout the country.
Original Source: www.republicworld.com
