Air pollution, being one of the main pressing environmental emergencies, is on the same developmental background as Pakistan: Monitoring the air quality through the Air pollution index (AQI) of major cities of Pakistan is imperative to measure the effects on public health and the environment within the major cities.
Poor air quality in these cities is often the result of rapid urbanization alongside industrial development and motor vehicle emissions, posing immense health risks and environmental difficulties.
Table of Contents
How Does the AQI Scale Work?
0-50: Good
Air quality is acceptable. Members of sensitive groups may experience other adverse health effects.
51-100: Moderate
Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
101-150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Some members of the public who are unusually sensitive to air pollution may experience adverse effects.
151-200: Unhealthy
All sections of the population start suffering adverse health effects and the sensitive groups are likely to suffer severe problems.
201-300: Very unhealthy
Health alert: Everyone may suffer serious health effects.
301-500: Hazardous
Health warnings of imminent emergency conditions. All sections of the population are likely to be affected and all outdoor activities should be avoided to the fullest.
Important Sources of Air Pollution in Pakistan
Motor Vehicle Emissions
High vehicle numbers have been associated with air pollution in urban cities. NO2 and CO are some of the chemicals that have been emitted from motor vehicles due to poor service of vehicles and low-grade fuel used in diesel-powered engines.
Industrial Pollution
Most of the industrial sites in Pakistan are a major source of air pollution. The several hazardous gases and particulates emitted from the factories are mostly uncontrolled, such as sulfur dioxide and heavy metals. Some of the highest emitters are textile industries, cement factories, and chemical plants.
Construction Activities
Continuous construction and urban development generate huge amounts of dust and particulate matter (PM10), which significantly impact the air quality. The problem is enhanced due to a lack of rules and preventive measures such as covering construction sites.
Agricultural Practices
Crop residues, when combusted in regions adjacent to a large city, result in smog and polluted air quality. In the process of burning crop residue along with pollution in urban cities, they combine into a deadly brew affecting rural and even cities.
Climate
Temperature inversions from seasonal changes cause pollutant concentration at the earth’s surface. Most noticeably during the winter season.
City-wise Comparison of Air Quality Index Values in Pakistan
1. Lahore
The heart of Pakistan’s Punjab province, Lahore regularly displays among the world’s highest levels of air quality, especially during the winter season. The “smog” created by vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, and crop burning from surrounding areas is very dangerous. The AQI in Lahore often surpasses 200, with dire implications for the health of its people. Projects that seek to stop pollution, including afforestation and automobile-free zones, are underway but things remain largely unchanged.
2. Karachi
Karachi is an economic centre of Pakistan with over 20 million people living there. City air quality index is most significantly impacted by industrial emissions as it results from traffic congestion along with port activities; Karachi’s average is between 150 and 200 straight falls into the “Unhealthy” category. Even though the city is located on the sea coast, the seaway does not often flush out the pollutants. With few open spaces and overworked transportation networks, there are persistent problems of poor air quality for the general populace in this city.
3. Islamabad
Being one of the few cities designed and developed, Islamabad normally enjoys clean air with relatively few contaminants as compared to other cities. However, the AQI could worsen at times of the year, primarily because of pollutants wafting in from other cities and dust from construction activities. The AQI for Peshawar is mostly in the “Moderate” range but peaks during dry periods. Afforestation efforts have been somewhat effective along with strict regulation of vehicle emissions.
4. Peshawar
The increasing traffic congestion and unchecked industrial activities have aggravated the air pollution in Peshawar. The city is situated in a valley; it does not allow the dispersal of pollutants and makes the air very poor. In winter, the AQI of Peshawar often exceeds 200 and is rated as “Very Unhealthy.” Lacking public awareness and inefficacious policies have limited success, and respiratory diseases have become a common ailment for the local population.
Major Health Problems Associated with Air Pollution:
- Respiratory Diseases: Asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections are on the rise.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Heart attacks and strokes are likely to occur in the long run.
- Developmental Issues in Children: Exposure to pollutants might affect the development of the lungs and cognitive skills.
- Preterm Deaths: Studies indicate that thousands of preterm deaths are caused by air pollution in Pakistan annually.
Government Policies and Challenges
Though the government has introduced initiatives like the Clean Green Pakistan campaign, the implementation is still not effective. The regulatory bodies do not have the resources and infrastructure to keep an eye on and check air quality standards properly. Improvement in public transport and the introduction of Euro 5 fuel standards are steps in the right direction, but enforcement and awareness among people will ensure sustainable results.
Major Government Initiatives:
Vehicle Emission Tests: Frequent checking and punishment in case of non-compliance.
Industrial Laws: Controls to be enforced in industries about industrial pollution.
Tree Plantation Activities: More plantation activities to bring down green cover and remove the heat islands of cities.
Associations with NGOs and International Organizations: Clean Technology Development Initiatives and Campaigning.
What can be done about Air Quality?
Public awareness programs and community engagements- Create awareness among the public concerning hazards posed by air pollution. Inspire behavioral change among them, such as lesser car usage and increased planting activities.
Sustainable Transportation: Promotion of electric vehicles, expansion of public transportation, development of bi-cycle infrastructure
Industrial Regulation and Innovation: Promulgation of eco-friendly technologies and stricter implementation of pollution standards.
Urban Planning: Minimise urban sprawl and try to provide more green cover in the city
Personal Measures: Wearing masks when AQI is high, and air purifiers in interiors.
Air pollution is one of the most prominent problems that needs to be handled in an integrated manner so that its effect can be lessened. The AQI proves to be quite effective in understanding the quality of air because it assists policymakers and the public make informed decisions. The locations such as Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad prove to be a great challenge; however, all these could be altered with coordinated efforts from the government, industries, and citizens. It is essential to treat air pollution today for all to have a healthy tomorrow.
For more details and updates on the air quality in Pakistan, visit the Air Pollution Index AQI of Major Cities of Pakistan.
