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The capital city and its neighbour, Rawalpindi, face a severe environmental emergency. Once envisioned as orderly and modern urban centres, the twin cities now battle a toxic air pollution crisis. A new report warns that this “grey haze” is shortening the lives of residents by more than four years.
The report titled ‘Unveiling Pakistan’s Air Pollution: A National Landscape Report on Health Risks, Sources and Solutions’ paints a grim picture. Compiled by the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI), the data reveals that this pollution is not industrial smog. Instead, it is the accumulated exhaust from daily commutes.
The Alarmingly High Numbers
The findings are stark. The combined airshed of Islamabad and Rawalpindi records an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 μg/meter cube. This figure is more than 10 times the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, a sharp contrast exists between the two cities. Rawalpindi recorded a hazardous 61.1 μg/meter cube, while Islamabad averaged 52.3 μg/meter cube. Consequently, the health impact is severe. Rawalpindi residents are estimated to lose 4.5 years of life expectancy due to chronic exposure. Similarly, residents of the capital risk losing 4.1 years.
The data for 2024 further highlights the disparity. Rawalpindi endured 199 days where pollution exceeded legal limits. In comparison, Islamabad saw 168 such days. Furthermore, Islamabad recorded 22 “good air” days by WHO standards, while Rawalpindi had only 11.
Air Pollution: Transportation is the Main Culprit
The report’s emissions inventory identifies the root cause clearly. Transportation alone accounts for 53% of PM2.5 emissions. In contrast, brick kilns contribute 18%, waste burning adds 11%, and industrial activity contributes only 9%.
Winter months exacerbate the danger. During the 2023-24 winter season, pollution levels surged to four times the monsoon average. This spike stems from stagnant winds, increased vehicle use, and widespread waste burning.
Beyond health risks, this crisis creates economic losses. Traffic congestion wastes fuel, causes travel delays, and reduces productivity. Since the region relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, this burden extends to the national economy.
Experts Call for Urgent Solutions
Experts argue that the region needs a dramatic expansion of public transportation. A robust transit network with electrified buses could reduce PM2.5 levels by up to 30%. Additionally, improved infrastructure for walking and cycling is essential to reduce short motorised trips.
The report also suggests strict interventions. These include dust control at construction sites, the elimination of open waste burning, and the conversion of brick kilns to cleaner technologies.
Ultimately, urban planners insist on a shift from car-dependent sprawl to sustainable development. With political will and better planning, Pakistan’s cities can breathe again.
