Environmental Crisis in Pakistan

19-03-2024

Eleni Patlaka

Pakistan Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence

The 2023 World Air Quality Index (AQI) highlighted the country’s unfavourable situation regarding protection against environmental and weather crises.

Pakistan is ranked among the three worst countries in terms of air quality, with the above condition testifying to the lack of concern for the protection of citizens. As the data demonstrates, in Lahore and Rawalpindi, air pollution levels exceed the PM2.5 limits set by the World Health Organisation (Reuters, 2024). As seen in November 2023, smog levels exceeded 400 in Lahore (Gabol, 2023). As a result, there are likely to be health impacts on citizens (Reuters, 2024). At the same time, the day's weather forecasts are worrying. Rain, storms and snowfall are likely to lead to flooding (Yasin & Mahmood, 2024).

In this context, it is necessary to create a national strategy not only to deal with environmental crises due to weather conditions but also to prevent them. 

Sources and further reading:

Gabol, I. (2023, November 15). Lahore grapples with soaring air pollution crisis. DAWN.COM. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1789456/lahore-grapples-with-soaring-air-pollution-crisis

Reuters. (2024, March 19). Bangladesh, Pakistan and India bottom in air quality rankings in 2023, data shows. DAWN.COM. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1822514/bangladesh-pakistan-and-india-bottom-in-air-quality-rankings-in-2023-data-shows 

Yasin, A., & Mahmood, A. (2024, March 10). Punjab sets out ambitious plan to get rid of smog. DAWN.COM. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1820417/punjab-sets-out-ambitious-plan-to-get-rid-of-smog