In recent years, smog has evolved from an environmental issue into a pressing public health crisis in Pakistan. Affecting millions across the country, particularly in urban areas, smog is not only disrupting daily life but also posing serious health risks. Reports suggest that around 70% of Pakistan’s population is experiencing health problems due to smog, with the situation in Punjab being particularly alarming. Let’s explore the impact of smog, its causes, and what can be done to tackle this calamity.

The Scale of the Crisis

Last month, the smog situation in Punjab reached such critical levels that it was officially declared a “calamity.” Lahore, the provincial capital, has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently exceeding 1,000—far above the hazardous threshold of 300. For comparison, an AQI above 300 is enough to cause serious health risks even for healthy individuals.

The health impact has been devastating. In just one month, nearly two million people in Punjab sought medical treatment for respiratory and other smog-related ailments. Common symptoms include persistent coughing, flu-like conditions, and difficulty breathing. Lahore and Rawalpindi are the hardest hit, with residents reporting a significant decline in air quality and quality of life.

Public Perception of Smog

A recent Ipsos survey conducted from November 18–22 highlights the pervasiveness of the problem. Nationwide, 79% of people reported experiencing smog in the past month. In Lahore, this figure reached a staggering 100%. The health implications are equally concerning: 68% of respondents across Pakistan reported smog-related health issues, with urban areas bearing the brunt compared to rural regions.

Smog’s impact extends beyond physical health, disrupting daily routines and activities. Over a third of respondents reported that smog hindered their ability to complete household chores, attend work, or participate in social events. This disruption underscores the far-reaching consequences of poor air quality on daily life.

What’s Causing the Smog?

The survey sheds light on the primary causes of smog, as perceived by the public:

• Vehicular Emissions (70%): Cars, buses, and motorcycles running on outdated engines or low-quality fuel contribute significantly to air pollution.
• Industrial Smoke (63%): Factories releasing untreated emissions add to the toxic mix in the air.
• Waste Burning (37%): The burning of household and industrial waste, a common practice in many parts of the country, is a major contributor.
• Brick Kilns and Crop Burning: These were also cited but to a lesser extent.

Interestingly, about 20% of respondents attributed the smog to the “wrath of God,” reflecting a cultural and spiritual interpretation of the crisis.

Barriers to Tackling Smog

Despite the overwhelming recognition of the smog problem, several barriers hinder effective action:

• Lack of Public Cooperation (44%): Many people remain unaware of how their actions—such as using polluting vehicles or burning waste—contribute to the problem.
• Weak Law Enforcement (37%): Existing environmental regulations are poorly enforced, allowing polluters to operate with impunity.

While some individuals expressed satisfaction with their provincial government’s efforts, more educated respondents were less impressed, indicating a gap between policy and execution.

What Can Be Done?

The good news is that the majority of Pakistanis recognize the need for collective action to reduce smog. Around 80% of respondents in the Ipsos survey expressed a willingness to play a role in combating air pollution. Here are some solutions that can make a difference:

1. Adopting Greener Transportation
   Many respondents said they were open to walking, using public transport, or switching to bicycles to reduce vehicular emissions. A smaller percentage (10%) expressed interest in using hybrid or electric vehicles, which produce significantly fewer pollutants.
2. Maintaining Vehicles
   Among vehicle owners, 90% said they would be willing to repair their vehicles and obtain government certification to ensure compliance with pollution control standards.
3. Raising Awareness
   Public education campaigns about the causes and consequences of smog can encourage more people to adopt eco-friendly practices.
4. Stricter Enforcement of Environmental Laws
   Governments need to clamp down on industrial polluters and enforce stricter regulations for vehicle emissions, waste management, and factory operations.
5. Planting Trees and Green Spaces
   Increasing green cover in urban areas can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality over time.

The Road Ahead

The smog crisis is a wake-up call for Pakistan. With millions suffering from health problems and daily life disrupted, urgent action is needed to address this environmental calamity. While individual efforts, such as using public transport or maintaining vehicles, can contribute to the solution, systemic changes—such as stricter laws and better urban planning—are critical.

As citizens, acknowledging our role and taking small but meaningful steps can collectively lead to significant improvements. After all, clean air is not a luxury—it’s a basic human right. Let’s work together to reclaim it.

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