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Pakistan's Smog Crisis: Lessons from London and Beijing's Clean Air Victories
9 Oct
Summary
- Lahore's Air Quality Index reached over 1,500 in November 2024, making it one of the world's most polluted cities
- China and the UK enacted strict regulations in the 1950s to curb smog, offering valuable lessons for Pakistan
- Pakistan struggles with policy implementation challenges, lacking strong governance and public support
As the winter of 2025 approaches, Pakistan is bracing for another severe smog crisis, with major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad expected to be blanketed in hazardous air pollution. This annual phenomenon, caused by temperature inversions trapping emissions under the lower atmosphere, has become a persistent public health concern.
In 2024, Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQI) even reached over 1,500, making it one of the world's most polluted cities. However, Pakistan can learn from the successful experiences of London and Beijing, which enacted comprehensive policies in the 1950s to tackle their own smog crises.
The UK's landmark Clean Air Act of 1956, introduced after a deadly smog episode in London, and China's stricter fuel and industrial standards offer valuable lessons for Pakistan. These measures led to marked improvements in air quality within a few years, demonstrating that timely regulation and enforcement can effectively curb the menace of smog.
Yet, while Pakistan has regulatory frameworks in place, the country continues to grapple with severe policy implementation challenges. Effective execution demands strong governance mechanisms, a trained and committed bureaucracy, public support, and transparent enforcement - all of which remain lacking in Pakistan. As a result, the threats of smog and air pollution continue to loom large.
The sources of Pakistan's smog crisis are multifaceted, ranging from the transport sector and industrial clusters to the open burning of crop residues. Addressing these issues will require a comprehensive approach, including modernizing vehicle fleets, transitioning to cleaner brick kiln designs, and banning the burning of agricultural waste.
With the right political will and public engagement, Pakistan can follow in the footsteps of London and Beijing, reclaiming its blue skies and safeguarding the health of its citizens. The science is clear; what remains clouded is the resolve to implement the necessary changes.
