In 2024, Pakistan ranked as the third most polluted country, facing severe smog, according to IQAir. The report documented an average PM2.5 concentration of 73.7 μg/m³, significantly exceeding WHO safe levels. Major cities face persistent pollution from diverse sources, with two million citizens affected by health issues. South Asia’s pollution portrays ongoing challenges that necessitate proactive environmental policies.
In its 2024 report, Swiss air technology company IQAir revealed that Pakistan ranks as the third most polluted country in the world, experiencing an alarming smog season, with Chad being the most polluted overall. The report notes that approximately two million individuals in Pakistan sought medical treatment due to severe health issues prompted by unprecedented smog. To combat this pollution, the government implemented lockdowns and school closures.
IQAir’s 2024 World Air Quality Report indicates that Chad holds the top position in pollution rankings, with Bangladesh and Pakistan following closely, while the Democratic Republic of Congo and India occupy the fourth and fifth places, respectively. In terms of air quality, Pakistan recorded an average concentration level of PM2.5 at 73.7 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³), approximately 15 times higher than the safe limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Interestingly, this level did not increase from that recorded in 2023.
Within Central and South Asia, Pakistan ranks second, just following Bangladesh. Major cities such as Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot were identified among the 15 most polluted cities in the region. The report highlights that Pakistan experiences continuous pollution from diverse sources, including biomass burning, industrial emissions, and construction dust. While annual averages for cities like Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore increased, Karachi showed improvement, with a reduction in PM2.5 readings.
The study leading to these findings utilized data from over 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 138 countries. The international insights firm Ipsos reported that about 70% of the Pakistani population encounters health issues due to smog. Chad’s pollution levels were observed to exceed WHO safe limits by 18 times, while India had emissions over 10 times higher. Additionally, the IQAir report noted that Indian cities are grappling with severe pollution, particularly in the winter months.
In 2024, India’s Byrnihat emerged as the most polluted metropolitan area with a PM2.5 level of 128.2 μg/m³, significantly exceeding WHO standards. Notably, while there was a marginal improvement from the previous year, India still hosts six of the world’s nine most polluted cities, including New Delhi, which is listed as the most polluted capital. Conversely, Oceania was reported as the cleanest region, with a significant percentage of cities meeting WHO air quality standards.
Despite a rise in air quality awareness, the report stated that only seven countries achieved concentrations below WHO guidelines, including Australia and New Zealand. Overall, only 17% of studied cities adhered to the WHO standards in 2024, a notable increase from 9% in 2023. Air pollution remains a primary health risk globally, contributing to an estimated 8.1 million premature deaths in 2021, according to the “State of Global Air 2024” report.
In summary, Pakistan’s position as the third most polluted country in 2024 is reflected in its alarming PM2.5 levels and the widespread health implications caused by smog. Despite efforts to mitigate pollution, the country grapples with various sources contributing to air quality deterioration. The report underscores the urgent need for effective environmental policies, particularly in South Asia, where pollution poses significant health risks. The increasing awareness and reporting on air quality serve as vital steps towards addressing this critical issue.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
