Winter is one of the four seasons in Pakistan, and for some particular reason, whenever it is winter the country is immersed with smog. This year has witnessed alarming rates of the air pollution in Pakistan and comparisons are being made with Southern Punjab through which cities like Multan are ranked amongst the most polluted cities in Pakistan. Although Pakistan is an emerging economy ranked at 14th on the list of CO? emitters it is in between the biggest emitter China and the third-largest emitter India. Both countries share in transboundary pollution, which complements the local pollution to produce thick immense poisonous smog that improves on a major source of pollution. This country concern has potentially disastrous consequences on public health, the environment, and the economy.
The roots of Pakistan’s smog problem are complex. Globally, the emissions from the country’s vehicles, industries, and agricultural fires have all had an impact on air pollution. During winter, temperature drop, low wind and inversion cause pollutants to accumulate a thick layer of smog that embraces the ground during winter ready to blend in with clear frosty air. Nevertheless, this domestic pollution is further amplified by the outside sources from China and India since their emissions can rise into Pakistani sky. Such local and regional sources together give a public health crisis especially within densely populated and the industrialized areas such as Punjab.
Long term effects of smog compromise the health of millions of individuals throughout the country. Smog comprises of particles that are too small for the lungs to clean; PM 2.5 and P M 10 can in fact enter the bloodstream. Research associating PM2.5 with several respiratory illnesses includes asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. The young, the elderly and the perennial patients of respiratory problems are at higher risk, but anyone could experience complications such as difficulty breathing, cough and low breathing capacity.
Smog affects more than the respiratory system; other health complications are associated with it. Particulate matter which is suspended in the atmosphere is associated with cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attacks and even strokes. It has also been reported that chronic exposure increases the chances of getting lung cancer. Additional problems of pregnant women are associated with smog exposure that may lead to preterm birth, low birth weights, or developmental issues with children. Consequently, not only ordinary people’s health is at risk, but the health care system of Pakistan suffers tremendously. Many hospitals and clinics in affected regions are under-funded, so an increase in the number of patients due to the disease results not only in increased costs for the families directly and the lack of access to quality healthcare for others.
The smog crisis has also detrimental socioeconomic effects on the society and the economy and efficiency of Pakistan as a country. Because polluted air results in various illnesses, people are bound to be out of work, which is detrimental to increasing productivity and soaring business health costs. Thousands of school-going children miss classes during peak pollution days while closing schools puts more burdens on parents. Labourers, construction personnel, and farmers who work outdoors are directly exposed to hazardous airborne particles or fumes and normally have little or no protection. However, the densely populated agricultural sector in Pakistan receives a unique problem in this case, smog. It was noted that many farmers continue burning cut stables after the harvest because they do not have other resources; thus polluting the environment which has devastating impacts on the farmers’ own produce. This cycle put emphasis on solving problems systematically in the context of environment and economy.
In dealing with smog in Pakistan, it is necessary to address the issue on a legislative level, with the help of technologies and through vast public campaigns. Increasing the stringency of environmental regulation is a first necessary step. Present measures and policies are comprised as air quality standards in Pakistan, but enforcement is usually weak. Local sources of air pollution can be controlled by ensuring that industrial emitters are prosecuted and penalized for violating emission standards, and by upgrading the emission control standards of motor vehicles. Increasing the use of trains, efficient transportation, and emission free cars coupled with good batteries such as electric cars would similarly decrease vehicular pollution.
In agriculture, sustainable alternatives to stubble burning, such as bio-composting and mulching, should be made accessible and affordable for farmers. Offering subsidies and technical assistance could help farmers transition to these eco-friendly practices without losing income. Public awareness campaigns play a key role in encouraging preventative behaviors, like wearing masks and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution hours. Educating the public on the health risks associated with smog and how to minimize exposure is essential, particularly in high-risk regions.
To effectively manage the healthcare implications of smog, Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure must be strengthened, particularly in areas where pollution is worst. Respiratory health units in hospitals, especially in Punjab, would enable better care for those affected. Providing affordable access to masks, inhalers, and treatment for pollution-related illnesses could reduce the burden on healthcare providers and improve the quality of care for affected populations.
However, given the regional nature of air pollution, Pakistan cannot solve this crisis alone. Regional cooperation is essential to reduce pollution levels across South Asia. China and India, as major sources of cross-border pollution, need to engage in dialogue with Pakistan to establish a coordinated approach to air quality management. Regional policies for emission monitoring, pollution control measures, and information sharing could significantly improve air quality for all countries involved. Collaborative frameworks, similar to the European Union’s cross-border pollution control agreements, offer a model that South Asia could adapt to address its unique challenges.
Technology can also play an important role in addressing Pakistan’s smog problem. Modern technologies involving satellite and IoT sensors can make an accurate presentation of pollution in real time which helps the authorities to estimate pollution source. Such systems would allow the government, as well as the rest of the population; make sound decisions, for example, restricting the operations of industries during high pollution hours or urging the citizens to remain indoors. Having apps that help citizens monitor air quality may be of even more value if such apps could also prescribe appropriate health actions depending on volatile weather conditions.
To overcome the current situation and pollution problems in the future, Pakistan has to make investments in green infrastructure. More and more green zones or spaces, introduction of checking urban forests, extension of green buildings with roofs, and walls can reduce pollutants and help to keep check with sprawling areas which are facing smog. Measures like these do more than focusing on environmental problems; it helps to develop healthier living spaces for the generations to come.
The smog crisis of Pakistan shows how pollution, health, and economics are on a cyclical chain of causing and being caused. It may seem like everyone’s pin prick like scratch to this large a problem but everyone can chip in at the community, national and international levels. Combating this problem will lay down in coordinated efforts, innovations and long-term initiatives but if Pakistan follow the right policies, increase awareness and establish affiliations with other regions, then perhaps it could start to catch a breath.
