ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik on Wednesday announced plans to establish a $10 million fund to support startups developing solutions to Pakistan’s air pollution crisis, saying its health and economic costs disproportionately affected poor and vulnerable people.

Addressing the Pakistan National Clean Air Conference 2026, he said wealthier households could install air purifiers and take other precautions, while children, street vendors, farmers and daily-wage earners remained exposed to polluted air.

Dr Malik estimated that air pollution imposed an economic cost equivalent to 6.5pc of Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP), citing illness, hospitalisation and the financial burden on families.

Referring to patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), he highlighted their need for oxygen and medication. He also cited a Unicef report on the harmful effects of air pollution on children’s lung health and development.

Minister says air pollution costs Pakistan 6.5pc of GDP, disproportionately affecting children, outdoor workers and poor households

He said schoolchildren travelling through polluted streets and people working outdoors faced continued exposure to harmful air. Street vendors and farmers, in particular, could not avoid exposure without risking their livelihoods.

The minister also highlighted the plight of farmers involved in crop-residue burning, saying solutions must address environmental concerns while taking into account the economic circumstances of farming communities.

Describing air pollution as a consequence of human activity and policy choices rather than an unavoidable natural disaster, he called for practical interventions to control industrial emissions and other sources of pollution.

Citing the construction of the Karakoram Highway through difficult mountainous terrain and efforts to control dengue, he said determined action could overcome major challenges.

He also referred to Beijing and Shanghai’s progress in tackling pollution and China’s emergence as a major exporter of solar technology.

Pakistan could similarly improve air quality through effective policies, technological innovation and cooperation with international development partners, he said.

Dr Malik said the government had decided to establish the proposed $10 million clean-air startup fund from its limited resources after seeking assistance from development partners. Approval from the fund’s board was expected the following day.

He described the initiative as a responsibility towards future generations rather than a grant or loan, adding that the government intended to pursue clean-air measures even without external financial support.

Acknowledging support from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Unicef and German development agency GIZ for climate-related initiatives, he stressed that tackling air pollution required engineering solutions, effective policies and financial commitments.

The government would continue working with development partners to reduce emissions, improve air quality and protect public health, he added.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2026