Air quality in Punjab has reached hazardous levels, posing a serious public health emergency, according to the Pakistan Air Quality Experts (PAQx) group. The group, launched on World Clean Air Day, convened to address the severe air pollution affecting Punjab, particularly Lahore.
Experts criticized the Punjab government’s “Smog Mitigation Plan,” describing it as inadequate for the scale of the crisis. Environmental lawyer Ahmed Rafay Alam noted that the plan largely repeats previous short-term actions without adding necessary data for effective monitoring.
The group expressed concern over the exclusion of the health sector from the plan, despite air quality policies being crucial for health outcomes. The recently formed government committee on air quality lacks public health experts, which experts argue is a significant oversight.
Dr. Imran Khalid highlighted that the plan focuses solely on Lahore, despite high pollution levels across Punjab and even in Peshawar. The plan’s emissions inventory was also criticized for not adequately addressing PM2.5 emissions, focusing instead on carbon monoxide.
Dr. Saima Saeed emphasized the need for health advisories tailored to vulnerable groups, especially given the over 400 pollution-related pneumonia deaths in Punjab last year. The experts called for public consultation in future policy-making to ensure transparency and accountability.
With Article 9A of the Constitution emphasizing health impacts, the group urged the government to involve citizens in reviewing policies that affect their health. The PAQx group continues to advocate for comprehensive solutions to Pakistan’s air quality challenges.
