Daily Times

How can literacy and progress coexist if noxious pollutants shed looming threats of ailments, particularly in Lahore, where it is predicted that the next few decades will witness air quality reaching its peak deterioration alongside smog? Pollution has increasingly taken a toll on not just education but also the health, economy, and inclement weather of the country. Almost every resident in Punjab has encountered toxic surroundings, choking on the hazardous air they breathe daily.

The smog, toxic emissions, and pollutants have severely impacted the well-being of the cities in Punjab, particularly Lahore and Multan. Health department data from the region reveals alarming numbers, with 1.93 million cases of respiratory diseases reported in just 30 days and approximately 1,000 new cases emerging within 24 hours. Complaints of chronic respiratory conditions, conjunctivitis, and breathing difficulties have rapidly increased over a few days, with 68,917 such issues disclosed recently.

The toxic air surrounding Pakistan is a crisis that demands immediate and decisive action.

A thick blanket of smog across Punjab has given rise to numerous diseases, including heart diseases and chest infections. Apart from health and welfare concerns, smog has also caused cognitive impairments, worsened life-altering problems like depression, and triggered oxidative stress, particularly affecting the growth of children. These issues have transformed fine particulate dust into a hazardous enemy, with the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) declaring the current atmospheric conditions as “very unhealthy.” Compared to 2023, particulate matter – key agents of pollution in the air-has precariously risen by 25 percent in 2024, as noted by the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAT).

The Director of NES at Pak-EPA, Dr Zaigham Abbas, has reported that suspended particulates make up to 90 percent of air pollution, infiltrating the bloodstream when inhaled and causing long-term health destruction. Outdated brick kilns that have yet to adopt eco-friendly methods for their industries further contribute to the deteriorating air quality. The smog not only threatens health but also poses significant risks to cognitive development, neurological stability, and socioeconomic conditions, with healthcare systems already overburdened.

The deteriorating air quality’s impact on the economy and education is no less alarming. Approximately 230 out of 365 school days are lost annually as students fail to attend due to pollution-related illnesses. This staggering figure highlights the adverse effects on the youth, who are the future drivers of the economy. Healthcare costs are also skyrocketing, with the state struggling to meet the expenses for the increasing number of respiratory and cardiac patients. The socio-economic toll is further compounded by a decline in productivity and workforce efficiency.

WWF-Pakistan (World Wide Fund for Nature) has written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging the government to take serious initiatives to improve air quality. The Punjab government has made a policy shift by treating smog as a year-round epidemic menace. However, the severity of the situation requires more rigorous enforcement of these policies. Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has stated that several measures have been proposed to address the crisis, but the efforts have proven insufficient without proper implementation.

Environmentalists stress that adopting a zero-tolerance policy against vehicles, industries, and brick kilns contributing to smog is crucial. The adoption of cleaner, eco-friendly technologies and stricter enforcement of regulations can lead to effective management of pollution levels. Smog and pollution can only be tackled with a long-term and holistic approach. Ensuring clean air requires a collective effort that encompasses health, education, and the environment. Public awareness campaigns should emphasize the severity of the crisis, while policymakers must invest in sustainable energy solutions, green urban planning, and efficient public transportation systems.

The toxic air surrounding Pakistan is a crisis that demands immediate and decisive action. Without rigorous policies, enforced measures, and public cooperation, the deteriorating air quality will continue to threaten the nation’s health, economy, and future. Only by prioritizing environmental welfare can Pakistan hope to secure a safer and healthier future for its citizens.

The writer is a freelance columnist.