Unveiling the Smog Crisis: Solutions Ahead

As air quality temporarily improves outside of the smog season, many in the public and policy circles mistakenly believe that environmental concerns have been resolved. However, as soon as smog returns, both mainstream and social media are flooded with trends and outcries about the failure of the health system to respond effectively. To prevent these recurring inefficiencies in the subsequent smog seasons, it is crucial to take action now. Smogs impact on Pakistan is severe and persistent throughout the year, except for the brief monsoon respite in July and August. Major urban centers like Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Faisalabad are particularly affected, with these cities ranking among the top 20 most polluted globally in 2022. The smog problem has escalated intensely, with PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines by seven times for nearly 60 percent of the population. This has led to a significant reduction in the average lifespan, with recent findings from the Air Quality Life Index by the University of Chicago revealing a loss of 3.9 years in Pakistan and a staggering 7.5 years for residents of Lahore. Despite this, there has been a lack of serious and timely action to mitigate the hazardous impact of smog on citizens health. This document explored the science behind smog, including its definition, composition, causes, and consequences. It also examined the role of various sectors in smog formation, reviewed policy development and implementation challenges, and proposed a future framework with key priorities for combating the smog crisis in Pakistan.