Pakistan Ranks Third Globally in Pollution Amid Severe Smog Crisis in 2024

In 2024, Pakistan ranked as the third most polluted country, facing a severe smog crisis that affected public health. The average concentration of PM2.5 reached 73.7 μg/m³, significantly above WHO safety limits. A majority of the population reported health issues, with experts urging for immediate policy changes to improve air quality.

Pakistan has ascended to the rank of the third most polluted country worldwide in 2024, amid an escalating smog crisis that has significantly harmed public health. This alarming ranking was revealed in the 2024 World Air Quality Report, overwhelming evidence of the dire state of air quality across the nation.

The World Air Quality Report, compiled by Swiss air technology company IQAir, positions Pakistan behind Chad and Bangladesh in pollution levels, with the average concentration of PM2.5 reaching 73.7 micrograms per cubic meter—nearly 15 times above the World Health Organization’s recommended limits. The Democratic Republic of Congo and India are notably in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

In 2023, Pakistan witnessed unprecedented smog levels, particularly in Punjab, where the situation escalated to a declared “calamity.” Nearly two million citizens sought medical care for pollution-related ailments, prompting the government to implement lockdown measures and close educational institutions in the most severely affected regions.

Cities such as Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar were identified as the most polluted within Central and South Asia, with multiple factors contributing to the high pollution levels, including biomass burning, industrial emissions, vehicular discharge, brick kilns, and construction dust.

While the overall air pollution did not improve compared to 2023, certain cities showed varied trends; Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore experienced increased pollution levels, while Karachi reported a decline in PM2.5 levels, dropping from over 55 μg/m³ to approximately 46 μg/m³ in 2024. Additionally, five cities in Pakistan reported alarming PM2.5 levels exceeding 200 μg/m³ in November 2023.

A survey conducted by Ipsos revealed that around 70% of Pakistan’s populace has experienced health issues attributed to smog, underscoring the crisis posing grave concerns for public health. Environmental experts advocate for immediate policy interventions to address the deteriorating air quality conditions and safeguard the health of citizens.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s alarming rank as the third most polluted country globally in 2024 highlights the urgent need for action to combat air quality deterioration. With significant health impacts reported, policymakers must prioritize strategies to mitigate pollution from various sources. Enhanced public awareness and governmental interventions can play a crucial role in addressing this escalating health crisis, ensuring a healthier future for the citizens of Pakistan.

Original Source: www.republicworld.com