ISLAMABAD — A new report from the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) reveals that the primary sources of hazardous air pollution in Pakistan’s largest cities are local emissions, not distant, wildfires or dust storms.
The report, titled “Unveiling Pakistan’s Air Pollution: A National Landscape Report on Health Risks, Sources, and Solutions”, draws on nearly a decade of data, including satellite images, chemical models, and real-time air quality monitoring.
What is PAQI?
The Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI) is a research-driven organization focused on understanding and combating air pollution in Pakistan. Using satellite data, chemical models, and air quality monitoring, PAQI provides critical insights into pollution sources and their health impacts. It collaborates with government and public health experts to advocate for policies that improve air quality in urban areas.
The report covers the following key aspects:
Local Emissions Drive Urban Smog
The findings in the report show that urban smog in cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar is largely caused by pollution generated within their own airsheds. The primary culprits include traffic, industrial activity, and brick kilns. These local sources are responsible for the majority of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a dangerous pollutant linked to serious health problems.
Severe Health Risks: PM2.5 Shortens Lifespan
The report highlights the severe health risks posed by PM2.5. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose serious health risks.
Toxic air pollution is expected to reduce the average Pakistani’s lifespan by 3.9 years. These microscopic particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and increasing the risk of cancer.
City-Specific Pollution Breakdown
The report provides a detailed look at pollution sources in different cities:
- Lahore: Transport, industrial emissions, and brick kilns are the dominant sources.
- Karachi: Nearly half of the PM2.5 pollution comes from industrial activity.
In both cities, vehicle emissions and informal brick kiln operations are significant contributors to the toxic air.
Dispute Over Methodology: Punjab EPA Raises Concerns
While this report is Pakistan’s first comprehensive emissions inventory, it has faced criticism. The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has questioned the methodology, particularly regarding the data on transport, rickshaws, and brick kilns. The EPA has called for PAQI to disclose its data sources and clarify how the numbers were derived, especially when assessing informal sectors like brick kilns.
PAQI Defends the Science
In response, PAQI’s founder, Abid Omar, stood by the report’s findings, emphasizing that the science behind the research is clear. He urged policymakers to shift from “speculation to action,” stressing the urgency of addressing the crisis.
A Wake-Up Call
Environmental and public health advocates agree that immediate action is necessary. They are calling on policymakers to implement stricter industrial emission standards, regulate vehicular exhaust, and control brick kiln pollution before it further exacerbates public health issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, local emissions from traffic, industry, and brick kilns are driving Pakistan’s air pollution crisis, with serious health consequences. Immediate action is needed, including stricter regulations and better enforcement, to curb pollution and protect public health. Without swift intervention, the toll on Pakistan’s cities will only worsen.
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