• Himal Nepal Editor says it is positive that the issue is being discussed from Delhi to Lahore
• WHO official says hospital admissions on the rise, extreme weather causing scarcity

ISLAMABAD: Representatives from Pakistan and India on Thursday expressed optimism that the issue of smog and pollution will be addressed in the near future.

They were speaking at a panel discussion, “South Asian air pollution: a threat to public health” during the international climate change conference, ‘Breathe Pakistan’ organised by Dawn Media at Convention Centre.

The discussion was moderated by air quality expert Dawar Butt.

Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb said though over 90,000 people were hospitalised during the last smog season, the number was over 10 per cent lower compared to the previous season.

Talking about India and Pakistan, she said: “We have most polluted cities compared to the rest of the world. Lahore is not the only city in the region which is polluted it is across the region.”

She said the Punjab government was cognizant of the issue and had been trying to address it.

“It is very much clear from the air quality index that the situation has been improving. We are also doing institutional capacity building and have formulated policies on brick kilns. The province has also made a mass transit policy and electric busses are being introduced while two-wheelers are being replaced with electric bikes.”

On the other hand, she added, plastic bags had been banned and air quality monitoring was being done.

“We have observed massive improvement due to these policies. Biogas projects are being considered and we are doing capacity building and engaging citizens,” she said.

She said climate-related topics were also being included in the curriculum and a national campaign was going on to address the air quality issue.

WHO Deputy Representative in Pakistan Ellen Mpangananji Thom said smog had become a constant problem in the region with an increase in diseases. Children were especially suffering as they were more vulnerable.

“Hospital admissions are increasing and extreme weather has become a reason for goods scarcity. Temperature is increasing and becoming a reason for heatstroke. In Karachi, around 2000 people died due to the heatwave in the year 2015. Malaria cases have been increasing, but WHO will continue standing by Pakistan,” she said.

UN Resident Coordinator for Afghanistan Indrika Ratwatte said the diplomatic community can play a vital role in addressing climate change-related issues.

Director General Centre for Science and Environment India Sunita Narain (through video link) said in the 1990s Delhi started having black smoke in the air.

“It was decided to move to CNG, so around 100,000 vehicles were converted to CNG and the issue was addressed and we had clear sky. But then again, the issue emerged as diesel vehicles continued to increase. Moreover, industrial units were also contributing to pollution,” she said.

“During the last five years, a number of industrial units have been closed and electric vehicles especially electric buses are being introduced. Still smog chokes us,” she said.

Ms Narain said it was alleged in Lahore and Delhi that the smog was due to crop burning.

However, the fact is that crop burning was not the major cause of it. The major cause is pollution emitted by vehicles, she added.

Founding Editor Himal Nepal Kanak Mani Dixit said it was a positive development that the issue was being discussed from Delhi to Lahore.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2025