Smog in Pakistan: A Growing Threat to Health, Environment, and Economy

By: Manoorma Mushtaq

Smog has become one of Pakistan’s most alarming environmental and public health crises, driven by rapid urbanization and unchecked industrial expansion. The thick haze that blankets cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad during winter is not a natural occurrence but a man-made disaster stemming from negligence and unsustainable practices. Its impact spans public health, education, the economy, and the environment, demanding immediate and coordinated action.

It’s dangerous form of air pollution created when smoke, dust, and fog combine with pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. These pollutants, released from vehicles, industrial activities, and burning fossil fuels, interact with sunlight to form ground-level ozone—a harmful component of smog.

Key Contributors to Smog in Pakistan:

Vehicular Emissions

The rapid increase in vehicles, particularly older, poorly maintained ones, significantly worsens air pollution. Two-stroke engines in motorcycles and three-wheelers, such as chingchi rickshaws, are major offenders. Weak regulatory enforcement and public unawareness exacerbate the issue.

Industrial Pollution

Factories and brick kilns in Pakistan rely heavily on low-quality fuels like coal and tire-derived oil, emitting dangerous pollutants. Weak implementation of environmental laws enables industries to operate with little accountability.

Deforestation and Urbanization

Pakistan’s forest cover is shrinking rapidly as trees are cut down for urban development and infrastructure projects. The loss of these natural air purifiers has compounded the problem, as ecosystems are replaced with concrete structures.

Burning Agricultural Waste

Farmers often burn crop residue to clear fields, a practice that intensifies smog, especially in winter when stagnant air traps pollutants near the ground.

Commercial Activities in Residential Areas:

Unregulated activities, such as open-grill barbecues in densely populated areas, contribute significantly to smog by releasing particulate matter and carbon monoxide. These practices continue unchecked, often supported by local authorities.

Mismanagement of Artificial Forests

Efforts to create artificial forests have fallen short, lacking the scale and ecological benefits of natural forests. The removal of roadside trees for development has further degraded air quality.

Impact of Smog:

Health Hazards

Smog poses severe health risks, particularly respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are at greater risk. Smog also contributes to heart problems, reduced lung function, and premature deaths, making outdoor activities hazardous in urban centers.

Education Disruption

Smog forces frequent school closures during severe episodes, disrupting learning. Even when schools remain open, poor air quality affects students’ health and concentration, underscoring the urgency of addressing the crisis.

Economic Losses

The economic toll of smog is substantial. Construction projects, outdoor businesses, and retail operations are frequently disrupted. Transportation becomes dangerous, and the healthcare system is overwhelmed with smog-related illnesses, diverting resources from other areas.

Environmental Degradation

Smog damages plants by obstructing photosynthesis, lowering crop yields, and threatening food security in an agriculture-dependent country. It also accelerates glacier melting in northern Pakistan, exacerbating climate change and increasing flood risks.

The Role of Human Actions:

The root causes of smog lie in human activities such as deforestation, unchecked industrialization, and rapid urbanization. Forests are cleared for housing projects, while roadside trees—once a hallmark of Pakistan’s urban areas—have disappeared due to road expansion and neglect. Farmers have also encroached on land reserved for roadside greenery, further depleting natural defenses against pollution.

Solutions to the Smog Crisis:

•  Promoting Green Energy and Electric Vehicles
  Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, alongside incentivizing electric and hybrid vehicles, can curb emissions significantly.
• Strict Enforcement of Environmental Laws
  Industrial emissions must be regulated, with fines and penalties for violators. Cleaner technologies, such as zigzag firing in brick kilns, should be implemented nationwide.
•  Mass Reforestation Campaigns
  Large-scale planting of indigenous tree species can restore ecosystems. Urban areas should incorporate green spaces, and housing societies must prioritize green cover.
•  Public Awareness Campaigns
  Educating the population on the harms of crop residue burning, benefits of tree planting, and importance of vehicle maintenance is vital to achieving sustainable change.
• Investment in Public Transport
  Expanding efficient public transportation systems, including metro buses and trains, can reduce reliance on private vehicles.
•  Health Alerts and Precautions
  The government should issue regular smog alerts, along with guidelines for minimizing exposure. Hospitals must be equipped to handle a surge in respiratory illnesses during smog season.

The smog crisis in Pakistan is a complex issue rooted in human negligence. It threatens public health, economic stability, and the environment. However, solutions are within reach through collective action. By enforcing stricter environmental laws, promoting sustainable practices, and investing in green infrastructure, Pakistan can reverse the damage.

Nature, a silent witness to human recklessness, offers the tools to restore balance. It is up to society to act decisively to reclaim the right to clean air and a sustainable environment. The time for action is now.

Miss Manoorma Mushtaqa, a graduate of Government Graduate College, Samundri, with a BSc in English Literature, writes on diverse topics. Her work focuses on contemporary issues through a literary perspective.