Greening Pakistan: Confronting Pollution and Paving the Path to Sustainability

Pakistan grapples with pollution from various sources, affecting both public health and ecological balance. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and insufficient environmental regulations contribute to this escalating problem. Understanding the root causes and implementing concerted efforts are essential for sustainable solutions.

Airborne Contamination:

Pakistan ranks as the world's second most polluted country, according to the 2018 World Air Quality report. Cities like Karachi and Lahore continue to suffer from poor air quality, with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels of 162 and 371 respectively in 2023, far exceeding the healthy range (0-50 AQI). Major contributors include:

1. The increasing number of vehicles, especially those with outdated emissions controls, significantly pollute the air with carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides. For instance, Lahore's dense traffic, combined with a high number of older, non-compliant vehicles, exacerbates air pollution.

2. The practice of burning crop residues, particularly in rural areas, contributes to air pollution with carcinogenic components like formaldehyde. This is evident in Punjab, where post-harvest burning of rice stubble is a common practice, significantly impacting air quality.

3. Improper disposal and burning of household and industrial waste release toxic gases such as dioxin, furans, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls. In cities like Karachi, open burning of municipal waste is a frequent occurrence, contributing to severe air pollution.

Health Implications:

1. Air pollution is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, contributing to 35% of total deaths in Pakistan. High levels of PM2.5 and NO2 emissions aggravate respiratory disorders and lung infections.

2. Prenatal exposure to polluted air can lead to cognitive issues and behavioral disorders in children. A study in Lahore found higher rates of cognitive impairment among children exposed to high levels of air pollution.

3. Air pollution exacerbates the severity of COVID-19 by weakening the immune system. During the pandemic, cities with higher pollution levels, such as Karachi, reported more severe cases and higher mortality rates.

Environmental Implications:

1. Black carbon from fossil fuel combustion accelerates glacier melt in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. This is contributing to the rapid retreat of glaciers, threatening water supplies for millions.

2. Persistent smog since 2013-2014 has led to health hazards and reduced life expectancy, necessitating school closures during smog season. Lahore, during the winter months, often experiences severe smog, disrupting daily life and economic activities.

Water Contamination:

Human activities have severely polluted Pakistan's water resources. Approximately 70% of rural residents lack access to clean water, leading to numerous health issues.

Sources of Pollution:

1. Untreated sewage from cities contaminates rivers and lakes. In Karachi, untreated sewage is frequently discharged into the Arabian Sea, affecting marine life and human health.

2. Soil erosion and the use of fertilizers and pesticides contribute to water pollution. In the Indus Basin, excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to high nitrate levels in groundwater.

3. Industries discharge untreated wastewater containing hazardous chemicals. In Faisalabad, textile factories release effluents into nearby water bodies without proper treatment, contaminating the water supply.

Health and Environmental Ramifications:

1. Contaminated water leads to diseases such as typhoid, diarrhea, and hepatitis, affecting millions. The frequent outbreaks of cholera in rural areas are a direct result of polluted water supplies.

2. The decline in marine life and the contamination of agricultural produce pose significant health and economic risks. Fishermen in Karachi have reported reduced catches due to pollution, affecting their livelihoods.

Soil Pollution:

Soil contamination, largely due to industrial and agricultural waste, is a silent yet severe issue.

Industrial Waste:

1. Textile and leather industries release heavy metals like chromium and lead into the soil. In Sialkot, the tanning industry has significantly polluted the soil, making it unsuitable for agriculture.

Agricultural Practices:

1. Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides degrades soil quality. In Punjab, excessive use of urea has led to soil acidification, reducing crop yields.

Health and Environmental Ramifications:

1. Health Risks: Soil pollution leads to health risks such as gastroenteritis, lung cancer, and skin diseases. Farmers in polluted areas often suffer from skin rashes and respiratory problems.

2. Agricultural Productivity: Degraded soil quality results in reduced agricultural productivity and economic losses. The decreasing fertility of soils in Balochistan has led to lower crop outputs, impacting local economies.

Factors Contributing to Pollution:

Industrialization:

1. Industrial emissions and waste significantly contribute to air and water pollution. In Lahore, industries along the River Ravi discharge untreated effluents, polluting the waterway.

2. Many industries lack pollution prevention measures. The brick kilns around Islamabad, operating without emissions controls, are major contributors to air pollution.

Agricultural Practices:

1. Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides contaminates air, water, and soil. In Sindh, the reliance on chemical pesticides has led to significant groundwater contamination.

2. Unsustainable farming practices lead to soil erosion and nutrient runoff. The extensive monoculture of sugarcane in Southern Punjab has caused severe soil degradation.

Urban Development:

1. Rapid urbanization strains resources and increases pollution. Karachi's sprawling urban growth has overwhelmed waste management systems, leading to widespread pollution.

2. Ineffective waste management exacerbates pollution problems. Lahore's landfill sites are often poorly managed, leading to leachate contamination of groundwater.

Sustainability Efforts in Pakistan:

Government Initiatives:

1. Policies like the National Climate Change Policy 2012 and institutions such as the Ministry of Climate Change aim to address environmental issues. The introduction of the Pakistan Clean Air Program (PCAP) aims to improve air quality through stricter emissions standards.

2. Specialized agencies like the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PEPA) work on pollution control and environmental awareness. The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has been actively monitoring industrial emissions in Karachi.

Renewable Energy Programs:

1. Pakistan aims to achieve 30% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Punjab is one of the largest solar power projects in the region, contributing significantly to the renewable energy mix.

2. Initiatives like the "Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) 2022-31" and investment in solar projects aim to boost renewable energy production. The wind corridor in Gharo-Keti Bandar has the potential to generate over 50,000 MW of wind energy.

Afforestation and Tree Planting:

1. Projects like the "Billion Tree Tsunami" and the "Ten Billion Tree Tsunami" aim to combat deforestation and improve environmental health. These initiatives have successfully increased forest cover in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces, providing ecological and economic benefits.

Towards a Greener Tomorrow:

Addressing pollution in Pakistan requires a collective effort from the government, industries, and individuals. Policies, education, and small-scale initiatives can lead to significant improvements over time. It is crucial to instill environmental awareness and responsibility to ensure a sustainable future for Pakistan. For instance, community-led waste management programs in rural areas have shown promising results in reducing local pollution and improving public health. By building on such initiatives and promoting sustainable practices nationwide, Pakistan can move towards a greener, healthier future.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization. 

Fatima Sultan is a student of BS Chemistry at PARS Campus, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Muhammad Amjed Iqbal and Azhar Abbas are Associate Professors at the Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

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