Pakistan Grapples With Smog: A Battle Against Air Pollution

Pakistan ranked as the third most polluted country in 2024 amid unprecedented smog. Despite governmental efforts, pollution levels remained static compared to the previous year. Major cities like Lahore and Multan are among the most affected, with pollution largely from biomass burning and industrial activities.

Pakistan has been ranked as the third most polluted country globally in 2024, amid facing an unprecedented level of smog, according to a report released on Tuesday by Swiss air technology company IQAir. The report reveals that Chad and Bangladesh precede Pakistan on this concerning list.

Particularly in Punjab, the smog levels have been declared a 'calamity,' prompting around two million residents to seek medical treatment. The Pakistani government responded with measures such as lockdowns and school closures to combat this environmental crisis.

IQAir's World Air Quality Report indicates that pollution sources in Pakistan include biomass burning, industrial activities, and vehicular emissions, retaining an average PM2.5 concentration of 73.7 micrograms per cubic meter, dramatically higher than WHO's safety thresholds.

(With inputs from agencies.)